Tables should organize information like schedules, comparisons, or statistics. Avoid using them just to control spacing or page design.
7 Core Skills: Accessible Tables
Tables are designed to organize and present data in a clear, structured way. When tables are created correctly, they help readers understand relationships between rows, columns, and values at a glance.
What Makes a Table Accessible?
Accessible tables present data in a clear structure that assistive technology can interpret.
This includes:
- Using tables only for data, not layout
- Identifying header rows or columns
- Keeping the structure simple and logical
Screen readers rely on this structure to explain how information is organized.
Why Are Accessible Tables Important?
People who use screen readers depend on table headers to understand how data relates across rows and columns. Without proper structure, a table may be read as a stream of unrelated information.
Complex layouts, merged cells, or tables used for visual formatting can make content confusing or impossible to navigate.
Well-structured tables improve comprehension, usability, and accessibility for everyone.
Top 3 Ways to Get Started
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Only Use Tables for Data — Not for Visual Layout
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Always Identify Headers
Mark the first row, first column, or both as header cells so assistive technology can correctly describe the table.
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Keep Tables Simple Whenever Possible
Avoid merged cells, nested tables, or complex structures that are hard to follow.
What Makes a Good, Accessible Table?
Accessible tables have:
- A clear purpose and logical organization
- Properly defined row and/or column headers
- A simple, predictable structure
- Short, focused content in each cell.
When tables follow these principles, users can quickly understand how the information fits together.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using tables to control page layout instead of presenting data
- Creating tables without designated header cells
- Building complex tables with merged or split cells
- Placing large paragraphs of text inside table cells
- Using screenshots of tables instead of real tables
Simple, well-structured tables are easier to read, maintain and access.
Most common tools include features to create accessible tables:
- Microsoft Word and PowerPoint – Table tools with options to mark header rows and columns
- Canvas – Rich Content Editor table settings
- Web editors and CMS platforms – HTML tables with header cell options
- Accessibility checkers – Often identify tables that need headers or simpler structure
Before publishing, review tables to confirm that headers are set, and the layout is as simple as possible.
Learn more about accessible tables:
- WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 1.3.1 – Info and Relationships
- WebAIM: Creating Accessible Data Tables
- Section 508.gov: Table Accessibility
- Microsoft Accessibility: Create Accessible Tables in Word
- Canvas Guide: Creating Accessible Tables
- Open a document or webpage that contains a table.
- Confirm the table is being used for data, not layout.
- Make sure at least one row or column is marked as a header.
Small adjustments to tables can make a big difference in accessibility.