March: Accessible Tables

Tables are great for sharing data sets and information, and we use them in Google Docs, Microsoft, Canvas, and web design. Just like all digital content there are ways to make it more accessible

Tables consist of columns and rows. Designate header rows (and columns, where applicable) in your tables. A header is the top row of a table (or the leftmost column) that acts as a title for the type of information they will find in each column (or row).

Column/Row Labels

Row header 1

Row header 2

Column header 1

Cell data 1

Cell data 2

Column header 2

Cell data 3

Cell data 4

Table 1: Example of a table indicating Headers for rows and columns

Tips for Accessible Tables

  • Pin or designate your heading rows. This differentiates the text in the headers from the data cells.
  • Table headers should have visible text that describes the purpose of the row or column.
  • Avoid blank cells and merged cells.
  • Use simple tables. Some assistive technology still does not fully support complex tables.
  • Consider adding a caption to indicate the content of the table. 
  • Where applicable, use a summary or a description for your table. This can be a very short paragraph to convey information about the organization of the data and helps users navigate it.
  • Don’t use tables as a way to format and align text. There are other tools more suitable for formatting. 

Additional Resources

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