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Structural Element - Data table

  • WAVE Category: Structural Element
  • WAVE Structural Element: Data table

Page Content Status

  • WAVE Tool Reference text
  • Example of a DOM Snippet Generated From WAVE Tool
  • Screenshots of Accessibility Pattern in Use
  • Credits/Authors

WAVE Tool Reference

Click to see WAVE Tool Reference

This content added 2026-03-23. Check for updated guidance at: https://wave.webaim.org/api/docs?format=html#table_data

WAVE Category

Structural Elements

WAVE Error

Data table

What It Means

A data table is present.

Why It Matters

Data tables present tabular data. Data tables should contain table header cells that identify the content of their respective row and/or columns. Tables with proper table headers provide additional information and navigation for screen reader users.

What To Do

Ensure that the table contains tabular data and that it is not used merely for page layout. Ensure that all column and row headers are <th> elements and ensure the data cells are associated with their proper header cells (typically by assigning scope to the table headers). Where appropriate, associate a descriptive caption (<caption> element) to the table.

The Algorithm... in English

A <table> element is present that contains at least one table header cell (<th>).

Guidelines

1.3.1 Info and Relationships (Level A)

Example of a DOM Snippet Generated From WAVE Tool

[HTML snippet showing the problematic code structure that WAVE detected]

Screenshots of Accessibility Pattern in Use

1. Descriptive Title for Screenshot Set 1

Description/text for image

[INSERT IMAGE HERE]

Credits/Authors

  • @Rabia2219
  • [INCLUDE Contributor 2]
  • [INCLUDE Contributor N]