Introduction

Tables are a powerful tool for presenting data in a structured and easy-to-understand format. They are commonly used for organizing numerical information, comparisons, schedules, and more. When used correctly, tables enhance clarity and allow all users, including those using assistive technologies, to efficiently comprehend complex information. Tables should not be used for design purposes, such as aligning text and images in a document or web page. When used that way, tables are not accessible.

If tables are not coded or formatted with accessibility in mind, they can become a barrier rather than a benefit, especially for users who rely on screen readers or keyboard navigation.

How do Tables Help with Accessibility?

Properly structured tables can make it easier for all users to:

• Identify relationships between rows and columns.
• Navigate content logically using keyboard or screen readers.
• Comprehend data in context (e.g., associating a number with its corresponding category or time).

Accessible tables:

• Include appropriate headings.
• Use captions to describe the purpose or contents of the table.
  Follow a logical reading order for screen readers, such as single header rows, do not merge cells, etc.

When accessible, tables support inclusivity and ensure that all users can engage with the data regardless of their abilities.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do

1. Keep tables simple and easy to read.
2. Use tables for data only.
3. Include a caption to describe the table’s purpose. Alternatively, you can include a description summarizing the table’s purpose and content preceding the table.
4. Use summary or accessible descriptions for complex data tables.
5. Use a header row.
6. Should you choose to use background colors for your cells, ensure they are in high contrast to the text.
7. Tables should be accessible through tabbing through each cell easily and in order.

Don’t

1. Don’t use tables for layout purposes.
2. Don’t merge cells.
3. Don’t create tables with inconsistent or nested structures that confuse screen readers.

Sample Table

Schedule for Week 1 & 2

This table was created by Melissa Martinez and Regina Harrison at Scottsdale Community College.

Table Accessibility Tips

1. Tab Order:

• • Ensure keyboard users can navigate the table logically using the tab and arrow keys.
  • Use a consistent tab order for interactive elements (like form fields) within the table.

2. Centered Text:

• • Avoid centering all text in table cells. Left-align text for readability, especially for longer content.
  • Use center alignment sparingly, for example, for short, uniform items like status indicators or yes/no values.

3. Right-Aligned Numbers:

• • Right-align numerical data (especially in financial tables) to make it easier to scan and compare values. Identification numbers (e.g., serial numbers) can be centered or left-aligned.
  • Ensure that alignment is consistent within each column to support cognitive processing.

Cell Padding and Tables

Cell padding in tables is the space between the content of a cell and its borders. It improves readability by preventing text from appearing cramped or crowded. Adequate padding (usually between 5 and 10 px) helps users, especially those with cognitive or visual processing challenges, distinguish between rows and columns more easily. Proper cell padding improves the readability of tables by preventing text from crowding the cell borders. This helps:

• Users with cognitive disabilities by improving visual separation between data points.
• All users by creating a cleaner, more structured layout.

Tip: Avoid overly tight or inconsistent spacing between rows and columns.

Sample Tables

Please view this document for some sample tables with different cell paddings.