Missing Table Headers Check

Description

The “Missing Table Headers Check” evaluates whether there is any <table> element used to present data with no appropriate header markups (<th>, scope, or headers attributes).

Example outcome

I found 1 table without headers.

Impact

• Visual Impairments: Screen readers rely on <th> and their attributes (scope, headers) to convey context.
• Motor Impairments: Users navigating by keyboard or assistive tech may not be able to skim through tabular data meaningfully.
• Cognitive Disabilities: Lack of visual or auditory anchors for data relationships.

Fixes

To address <table> elements with no headers:

1. Locate the <table> element.
2. Add headers elements to it (i.e., <th> elements) in the appropriate row(s) and / or column(s).

Resources

• WCAG 2.2: Understanding Success Criteria 1.3.1
• WCAG 2.2 Techniques: Technique H51: Using table markup to present tabular information
• WebAIM: Semantic Structure: Regions, Headings, and Lists
• WebAIM: Creating Accessible Tables