Data table checker
Checks that data tables mark header cells, connect cells to their headers and have a caption or name.
What this check looks for
The audit runs this check with every other check, on the page as the browser renders it.
- Tables without header cells
- Data tables built only from td cells, so screen readers can't announce column names.
- Headers without scope
- Header cells in complex tables that don't say whether they label a row or a column.
- Empty header cells
- th elements with no text.
- Layout tables with data markup
- Tables used for layout that carry headers or captions and confuse screen readers.
What a failure looks like
An opening hours table uses plain cells for the day names, so a screen reader reads "9:00" without saying which day.
<!-- Broken: no header cells -->
<table>
<tr><td>Day</td><td>Opens</td></tr>
<tr><td>Monday</td><td>9:00</td></tr>
</table><!-- Fixed: a caption and header cells with scope -->
<table>
<caption>Opening hours</caption>
<tr><th scope="col">Day</th><th scope="col">Opens</th></tr>
<tr><th scope="row">Monday</th><td>9:00</td></tr>
</table>How it shows in AccessGuard
Each finding names the WCAG criterion, explains the problem in plain words and shows the element that fails, so a developer can find it on the page.
WCAG criteria
Findings from this check name one of these criteria. How much of each the audit can decide on its own:
| Criterion | Level | Automation |
|---|---|---|
| 1.3.1 Info and Relationships Headings, lists, tables, labels and landmarks in the markup are checked. Structure shown only visually needs a person. | A | Partly automated |
What still needs a person
No automated tool can confirm these. AccessGuard marks related findings as Review, so nobody mistakes them for a pass.
- Whether a table is a data table or only used for layout.
- Complex tables with merged cells, which may need headers and id attributes.
Questions
When do I need scope on header cells?
Simple tables with one header row work without it. Add scope="col" and scope="row" whenever a table has both row and column headers.
Should layout use tables?
No. Use CSS grid or flexbox. If an old layout table can't be replaced yet, add role="presentation" and don't use th or caption in it.
Is a caption required?
WCAG doesn't require one, but a caption or an aria-label tells screen reader users what the table is before they enter it.
Related checks and guides
- Headings and landmarks checker
Checks that pages have a clear heading outline, a main landmark and a way to skip repeated navigation.
- ARIA checker
Finds invalid roles and attributes, controls with no accessible name and ARIA that hides content people need.
- Form labels checker
Finds inputs without labels, placeholders used as the only label, and fields that don't say what they collect.
- Accessible Data Tables: WCAG Markup, Headers, and Screen Reader Patterns
Guide
Check a client page for data tables issues
The free audit runs this check and every other one. Results in about a minute.