Contrast determines how well a monitor separates dark tones from each other and from true black. This test shows near-black and near-white shades as numbered steps — count how many you can distinguish from the surrounding black or white.
Monitor Contrast Test
Near-Black Levels
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Near-White Levels
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
This test checks whether your monitor can display distinct near-black shades (shadow detail) and near-white shades (highlight detail). A well-calibrated display should let you see all numbered steps. If steps 1–3 are invisible in the dark section, your black level is set too high (crushing blacks) or your brightness is too low.
Contrast ratio is the difference in luminance between the brightest white and the darkest black a monitor can display simultaneously. A ratio of 1000:1 means white is 1000× brighter than black. VA panels typically offer 3000:1 – 6000:1, IPS panels 800:1 – 1500:1, and OLED displays effectively infinite contrast.
- Lower brightness: High brightness washes out dark tones.
- Increase contrast (OSD): Carefully raise the contrast setting — avoid clipping whites.
- Check Black Level setting: If your monitor has a Black Level option, set it to "Normal" or "Low" (not "High").
- Dim the room: Ambient light makes dark levels harder to see.
- Check GPU output range: Ensure Full RGB (0–255), not Limited (16–235).
ANSI contrast is measured with a checkerboard of black and white squares displayed simultaneously — this is the real-world number. Dynamic contrast adjusts the backlight for full-black vs full-white screens separately, producing inflated marketing numbers. Always look for ANSI contrast when comparing monitors.