What is a good contrast ratio?

A typical IPS monitor has a contrast ratio around 1000:1, VA panels achieve 3000:1 or higher, and OLED displays have effectively infinite contrast since they can turn individual pixels completely off. Higher contrast means more visible detail in dark scenes.

Why can't I see the darkest patches on my IPS monitor?

IPS panels have a characteristic 'IPS glow' that raises the black floor, making it harder to distinguish very dark shades. This is normal for the technology. Lowering your monitor's brightness setting can help reveal more shadow detail.

Why does OLED perform better on this test?

OLED pixels emit their own light and can be turned completely off for true black. This gives OLED displays perfect black levels and the ability to show extremely subtle near-black differences that LCD panels cannot reproduce.

Monitor Contrast Ratio Test

Test how well your display distinguishes near-black and near-white shades. Better contrast means deeper blacks and more visible shadow detail.

💡 How good is my contrast?

Count how many distinct shades you can see in the near-black row. On a good monitor you should distinguish at least 10 of the 16 patches. If the first 5-6 patches all look identical black, your monitor has limited shadow detail — common with IPS panels. OLED and VA panels typically show more distinct near-black steps.

How this test works

The test displays 16 patches in 2-unit RGB increments from pure black (0,0,0) to (30,30,30) and from pure white (255,255,255) down to (225,225,225). Your monitor's backlight, panel technology, and brightness setting determine how many of these subtle differences you can distinguish. Use the fullscreen dark mode for the most accurate near-black assessment — ambient light reduces visible contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good contrast ratio?: A typical IPS monitor has a contrast ratio around 1000:1, VA panels achieve 3000:1 or higher, and OLED displays have effectively infinite contrast since they can turn individual pixels completely off. Higher contrast means more visible detail in dark scenes.
Why can't I see the darkest patches on my IPS monitor?: IPS panels have a characteristic 'IPS glow' that raises the black floor, making it harder to distinguish very dark shades. This is normal for the technology. Lowering your monitor's brightness setting can help reveal more shadow detail.
Why does OLED perform better on this test?: OLED pixels emit their own light and can be turned completely off for true black. This gives OLED displays perfect black levels and the ability to show extremely subtle near-black differences that LCD panels cannot reproduce.

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Written by MouseTesting Team

Reviewed by MouseTesting Engineering • Last updated: January 2026