Data tables must have unique names

Rule ID Table 4
Definition Data tables must 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.
Mappings
  • HTML4 Legacy Techniques (Required)
  • HTML5 and ARIA Techniques (Required)
WCAG Success Criteria

1.3.1 Info and Relationships (Level A, Primary Success Criterion)

Rule Category Tables
Scope Element
Target Resources table elements
  • table
Techniques
  • Use caption element to provide an accessible name for a data table.
  • Use summary attribute to provide an accessible name for a data table.
  • Use title attribute 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).
  • If the table is not used for tabular data, but instead for layout of content, use the role="presentation" on the table element.
Manual Checks
  • Verify the accessible names for tables are unique and identify the content in the data tables.
Informational Links