OpenA11y Evaluation Library

Data tables should have unique names

Rule ID Table 4
Conformance Required
Definition Data tables should have unique accessible names to help users identify and differentiate the data tables on a page.
Purpose
  • Data tables that share the same accessible name make it difficult to users of assistive technologies to differentiate the differences in content of the data tables on the same page.
  • In rare cases when multiple data tables have duplicate data, use "Copy 1", "Copy 2" and "Copy X" as part of the accessible name of each table to make it clear that there is more than one copy of the same information on the page.
Conformance Required
WCAG Success Criteria

Success Criterion 1.3.1 Info and Relationships

Other Related Success Criterion:

Rule Category Tables/Layout
Rule Scope Element
First Step no
Techniques
  • Use caption element to provide an accessible name for a data table.
  • Use aria-label attribute to provide an accessible name for a data table (NOTE: inconsistent browser/AT support).
  • Use aria-labelledby attribute to provide an accessible name for a data table (NOTE: inconsistent browser/AT support).
  • Use title attribute to provide an accessible name for a data table.
  • If the table is not used for tabular data, but instead for layout of content, use the role="none" on the table element.
  • ^Note:^ The summary^Note:^ The @summary@Note: The @summary@ attribute is no longer supported by HTML specifications, and there for should no longer be used for accessible names or desciptions.
Information Links