Studies of typographical factors influencing speed of reading. VII. Variations in color of print and background

Abstract

Ten color combinations in addition to black on white were compared with respect to their effect on reading rate. Ten groups of 85 college students each were tested. Striking differences in rate of reading text material printed with various combinations of colored ink and paper were disclosed. The following list gives a rough idea of the findings: Providing good legibility: black on white, grass green on white, luster blue on white, and black on yellow. Providing fair legibility: tulip red on yellow, tulip red on white. Providing poor legibility: grass green on red, chromium orange on black, chromium orange on white, tulip red on green, black on purple. A maximum brightness-contrast between print and background is desirable for greatest legibility. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)