H63: Using the scope attribute to associate header cells and data cells in data tables

The objective of this technique is to associate header cells with data cells in complex tables using the scope attribute. The scope attribute may be used to clarify the scope of any cell used as a header. The scope identifies whether the cell is a header for a row, column, or group of rows or columns. The values row, col, rowgroup, and colgroup identify these possible scopes respectively.

For simple data tables where the header is not in the first row or column, like the one in Example 1, this technique can be used. Based on screen reader support today, its use is suggested in two situations both relating to simple tables:

data cells marked up with td that also function as row header or column header
header cells marked up with td instead of th. Sometimes, authors use this to avoid the display characteristics associated with th and also do not choose to use CSS to control the display for th.

Note 1: For simple tables that have the headers in the first row or column then it is sufficient to simply use the TH elements without scope.

Note 2: For complex tables use ids and headers as in H43: Using id and headers attributes to associate data cells with header cells in data tables.

Note 3: Some users may find it easier to work with several simple tables than one more complex table. Authors may wish to consider whether they can convert complex tables to one or more simple tables.

Examples

Example 1: A simple schedule

In the following example, column #1 contains serial numbers for rows in the table and the second column contains the key value for the row. The cells in the second column may then use scope="row". The cells in the first row too are marked up with td and use scope="col".

Example Code:

 <table border="1">
  <caption>Contact Information</caption>
  <tr>
    <td></td>
    <th scope="col">Name</th>
    <th scope="col">Phone#</th>
    <th scope="col">Fax#</th>
    <th scope="col">City</th>
  </tr><tr>
    <td>1.</td>
    <th scope="row">Joel Garner</th>
    <td>412-212-5421</td>
    <td>412-212-5400</td>
    <td>Pittsburgh</td>
  </tr><tr>
    <td>2.</td>
    <th scope="row">Clive Lloyd</th>
    <td>410-306-1420</td>
    <td>410-306-5400</td>
    <td>Baltimore</td>
  </tr><tr>
    <td>3.</td>
    <th scope="row">Gordon Greenidge</th>
    <td>281-564-6720</td>
    <td>281-511-6600</td>
    <td>Houston</td>
  </tr>
</table>

Resources

Resources are for information purposes only, no endorsement implied.

HTML 4.01 Table Cells: scope attribute
HTML 4.01 Table cells: The TH and TD elements
Assistive technology reading tables

Related Techniques

Tests

Procedure

For each data table:

Check that all th elements have a scope attribute.
Check that all td elements that act as headers for other elements have a scope attribute.
Check that all scope attributes have the value row, col, rowgroup, or colgroup.

Expected Results

All checks above are true.

If this is a sufficient technique for a success criterion, failing this test procedure does not necessarily mean that the success criterion has not been satisfied in some other way, only that this technique has not been successfully implemented and can not be used to claim conformance.

H63: Using the scope attribute to associate header cells and data cells in data tables

Important Information about Techniques

Applicability