Tables
For tabular data, use the caption element and/or the summary attribute. Use the th element or use th elements with the scope attribute to unambiguously identify all row and column headers. For complex data tables associate data cells with the appropriate headers using either headers/id or scope.
- There are 2 basic types of tables – layout and data tables.
- Layout tables are common – but can be eliminated using CSS for placement. If tables are used for layout, make sure that the AT can make sense of the table structure.
- Remember:
AT read tables from the upper left hand corner to the lower right hand. - Use proportional sizing rather than absolute sizing.
- Keep the simplest table structure possible – think about the information you are presenting and offer it in the cleanest way.