Accessibility: Tables

Pages organized in columns or table structures should be carefully analyzed to ensure that the linear presentation order is logical.
normal text is usually preferable to images with text

Layout Tables:

  1. Ensure that the contents of the table make sense when linearized (i.e. when removed from the table).
  2. Do not use table headers (<th> tags) for visual effect.
  3. Use proportional sizing, rather than absolute sizing.
  4. Use the simplest table configuration possible.

Data Tables

  1. Designate row and column headers using the <th> tag.
  2. Associate the data cells with the appropriate headers.
  3. Use proportional sizing, rather than absolute sizing.
  4. Provide names or titles for data tables using the <caption> tag.
  5. Provide summaries using the summary attribute.
  6. Avoid spanned rows or columns.
  7. Avoid tables with more than two levels of row and/or column headers.

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