Tables · WCAG 2.0 Level A
Data or header cells must not be used to give caption to a data table.
Ensure that tables with a caption use the <caption> element..
What it means
The table-fake-caption rule flags elements that fail this check. It maps to WCAG success criterion 1.3.1.
Who it affects
Screen reader users who move through tables cell by cell.
How to fix it
Mark up header cells with <th> and scope, and keep headers attributes pointing at real header cells in the same table.
Check it on your site
Run a free scan. If this rule fails, the results list the affected elements. Deque, which maintains axe-core, also documents this rule in detail: Deque University: table-fake-caption.
Quick answers
What does the axe rule "table-fake-caption" check?
Ensure that tables with a caption use the <caption> element..
How do I fix "Data or header cells must not be used to give caption to a data table."?
Mark up header cells with <th> and scope, and keep headers attributes pointing at real header cells in the same table.
Who is affected by table-fake-caption failures?
Screen reader users who move through tables cell by cell.
Automated accessibility scan. Results are informational and may not identify every accessibility issue. This service is not legal advice, a compliance certification, or a substitute for comprehensive manual accessibility testing.