Accessibility: Tables

Pages organized in columns or table structures should be carefully analyzed to ensure that the linear presentation order is logical.

Layout Tables:

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

Designate row and column headers using the <th> tag.
...
<th scope="col">Name</th><th scope="col">Age</th>
...
Associate the data cells with the appropriate headers.
Use proportional sizing, rather than absolute sizing.
Provide names or titles for data tables using the <caption> tag.
Provide summaries using the summary attribute.
Avoid spanned rows or columns.
Avoid tables with more than two levels of row and/or column headers.