incorrect-data-table

Description

The <table> element should only be used for representing tabular data, not for layout purposes. Incorrect use of tables for layout can confuse users of screen readers and other assistive technologies.

The incorrect-data-table rule aligns with WCAG Success Criterion 1.3.1 (Info and Relationships), which requires that information, structure, and relationships conveyed through presentation must be programmatically determinable.

Examples

In the following example, a <table> is incorrectly used for layout rather than tabular data.

In the following corrected example, semantic HTML and CSS are used for layout:

How to fix?

To fix violations of the incorrect-data-table rule, follow these steps:

1. Identify <table> elements used purely for layout.
2. Replace them with semantic HTML elements (<div>, <header>, <main>, etc.) and CSS for layout.
3. Reserve <table> only for presenting tabular data with clear row and column relationships.

Reference

• WCAG Success Criterion 1.3.1: Info and Relationships
• Technique H51