Use tables when the information is genuinely arranged in rows and columns. Clear headers help everyone understand the data, and they are especially important for people using assistive technology.
What to do
- Use a table only when the information has a meaningful row-and-column structure. Do not use tables just to control the layout of a page.
- Give each column a clear heading and add row headings where they are useful.
- Add a caption or short introduction, particularly if the purpose of the table is not immediately clear.
- Keep tables as simple as possible. Complex tables may benefit from being split into smaller tables
- Avoid merged or split cells where they make the relationship between headings and data unclear
- Do not rely on colour, bold text or indentation alone to explain what the data means as this won’t be obvious to screen readers
Reviewing tables
- Look at the column and row headings. Is it clear what each piece of data relates to?
- Check that header cells are marked as headers in your authoring tool, rather than simply made bold.
- Zoom in or view the content on a narrower screen. Can you still read and understand the table without losing important information?
Sources and further guidance: W3C Tables Tutorial | W3C Tables Tips and Tricks