Tables · WCAG 2.0 Level A
Table headers in a data table must refer to data cells
Ensure that <th> elements and elements with role=columnheader/rowheader have data cells they describe.
What it means
The th-has-data-cells 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
Every table header must describe at least one data cell. Remove empty header rows or columns.
<tr><th scope="col">Plan</th><th scope="col">Price</th></tr>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: th-has-data-cells.
Quick answers
What does the axe rule "th-has-data-cells" check?
Ensure that <th> elements and elements with role=columnheader/rowheader have data cells they describe.
How do I fix "Table headers in a data table must refer to data cells"?
Every table header must describe at least one data cell. Remove empty header rows or columns.
Who is affected by th-has-data-cells 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.