Accessible Tables & Charts
Making data clear, understandable, and usable for everyone.
Tables and charts help people understand information quickly — but when they aren’t accessible, they can become one of the biggest barriers for users with disabilities.
This guide focuses on simple, practical steps to make tables and charts readable, navigable, and meaningful for everyone.
Quick Wins
Structure
Use tables only for data, not for layout. Keep the structure simple so information can be read logically from left to right and top to bottom.
Headers
Every table must have clear column (and when needed, row) headers. Headers define relationships and help users understand how data connects.
Labels & Titles
Charts need descriptive titles. Axes, legends, and data points must be clearly labeled so the chart makes sense without visual guessing.
Color Use
Never rely on color alone to communicate meaning. Use text labels, patterns, or markers alongside color to show differences or categories.
Text Summary
Provide a short explanation that describes what the table or chart is showing. Highlight key insights so users can understand the message even without seeing the visual.
Authoring Guidelines
Documents & Slides
When creating tables or charts in Word, PowerPoint, or Google Slides, use the built-in table and chart tools instead of drawing or manually aligning content. Built-in tools preserve structure for assistive technologies.
Spreadsheets
Keep tables simple. Avoid merged cells, empty rows, or complex nesting. Place headers in the first row and ensure data follows a consistent pattern.
Reports & Dashboards
If data is complex, break it into multiple smaller tables or charts. Dense visuals are harder to interpret and more likely to fail accessibility checks.
Recommended Tools
Microsoft Accessibility Checker
Built into Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Helps identify missing headers, contrast issues, and structural problems.
Spreadsheet Software (Excel / Google Sheets)
Use native table features to define headers and structure instead of manual formatting.
Creating Accessible Tables
Clear, practical guidance on table structure, headers, and common mistakes.
Color Contrast Checker
Verify that chart colors and labels meet contrast requirements and remain readable in different viewing modes.
