Accessible tables are structured with row and column headers. Screen readers use this information to speak information one cell at a time and provide context to users.
Only Use Tables for Data
Data doesn't have to mean percentages and decimals, it can be purely textual. A telephone or office directory can be data. Do not use tables to align text and images. This includes invisible tables.
Keep Tables Simple
- Try to keep data tables simple, so they can be visualized and understood by users of screen readers.
- Minimize the use of merged cells and empty cells
- Use header rows appropriately and keep notes or other info out of the table itself.
Make sure header cells are accurately explaining the data directly below (columns) or to the right (rows).