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Data table with th scope on cell headers Screen reader compatibility

HTML WCAG
Dec 12, 2023

Expected Result: works in a screen reader

Actual Result: causes problems in 29 screen reader / browser combinations

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

Code used for this test:


		<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>

Reliability Trend

This graph shows reliability over time for this code in NVDA, JAWS and Voiceover. Other screen readers don't have enough historical data yet to plot trends.

100%80%60%40%20%0%201533%201633%201733%201850%201950%202075%202175%202288%202388%

Change History

Last updated: December 12, 2023

  • Good NVDA with Chrome Stable - OK from NVDA 2018.4 to NVDA 2023.3
  • Bad NVDA with IE Causes problems from NVDA 2014.1 to NVDA 2019.2
  • Better NVDA with FF Better - caused problems in NVDA 2019.2, but now OK in NVDA 2023.3
  • Good JAWS with Chrome Stable - OK from JAWS 2018.1811.2 to JAWS 2023.2311.34
  • Good JAWS with IE Stable - OK from JAWS 14.0.9002 to JAWS 2019.1912.1
  • Good JAWS with FF Stable - OK from JAWS 14.0.9002 to JAWS 2023.2311.34
  • Better VoiceOver macOS Better - caused problems in VoiceOver macOS 11.5, but now OK in VoiceOver macOS 13.6
  • Bad VoiceOver iOS Causes problems from VoiceOver iOS 8.4 to VoiceOver iOS 16.6
  • Better WindowEyes with IE Better - caused problems in WindowEyes 8.4, but now OK in WindowEyes 9.2
Screen readerBrowserModeNotesWhat the user hears
OK NVDA 2023.3Chrome 120 Reading Column headers, but no row headers, announced for TD cells in reading mode, but row headers are announced when using table navigation commands. Table with 4 rows and 5 columns, caption, contact information. Row 1, column 1. Column 2, name. Column 3, phone number. Column 4, fax number. Column 5, city. Joel Garner, row 2, column 1, one. Name, column 2, Joel Garner. Phone number, column 3, 412 212 5421. Fax number, column 4, 412 212 5400. City, column 5, Pittsburgh.
OK NVDA 2023.3FF 115 Reading Column headers, but no row headers, announced for TD cells in reading mode, but row headers are announced when using table navigation commands. Table with 4 rows and 5 columns, caption, contact information. Row 1, column 1. Column 2, name. Column 3, phone number. Column 4, fax number. Column 5, city. Row 2, column 1, one. Name, column 2, Joel Garner. Phone number, column 3, 412 212 5421. Fax number, column 4, 412 212 5400. City, column 5, Pittsburgh
OK NVDA 2023.3Edge 120 Reading Column headers, but no row headers, announced for TD cells in reading mode, but row headers are announced when using table navigation commands. Table with 4 rows and 5 columns, caption, contact information. Row 1, column 1. Column 2, name. Column 3, phone number. Column 4, fax number. Column 5, city. Joel Garner, row 2, column 1, one. Name, column 2, Joel Garner. Phone number, column 3, 412 212 5421. Fax number, column 4, 412 212 5400. City, column 5, Pittsburgh.
OK NVDA 2022.2Chrome 105 Reading Column headers, but no row headers, announced for TD cells in reading mode, but row headers are announced when using table navigation commands. Table with 4 rows and 5 columns, caption, contact information. Row 1, column 1. Column 2, name. Column 3, phone number. Column 4, fax number. Column 5, city. Joel Garner, row 2, column 1, one. Name, column 2, Joel Garner. Phone number, column 3, 412 212 5421. Fax number, column 4, 412 212 5400. City, column 5, Pittsburgh.
OK NVDA 2022.2FF 102 Reading Column headers, but no row headers, announced for TD cells in reading mode, but row headers are announced when using table navigation commands. Table with 4 rows and 5 columns, caption, contact information. Row 1, column 1. Column 2, name. Column 3, phone number. Column 4, fax number. Column 5, city. Row 2, column 1, one. Name, column 2, Joel Garner. Phone number, column 3, 412 212 5421. Fax number, column 4, 412 212 5400. City, column 5, Pittsburgh
OK NVDA 2022.2Edge 105 Reading Column headers, but no row headers, announced for TD cells in reading mode, but row headers are announced when using table navigation commands. Table with 4 rows and 5 columns, caption, contact information. Row 1, column 1. Column 2, name. Column 3, phone number. Column 4, fax number. Column 5, city. Joel Garner, row 2, column 1, one. Name, column 2, Joel Garner. Phone number, column 3, 412 212 5421. Fax number, column 4, 412 212 5400. City, column 5, Pittsburgh.
OK NVDA 2021.2Chrome 94 Reading Column headers, but no row headers, announced for TD cells in reading mode, but row headers are announced when using table navigation commands. Table with 4 rows and 5 columns, caption, contact information. Row 1, column 1. Name, column 2, name. Phone number, column 3, phone number. Fax number, column 4, fax number. City, column 5, city. Joel Garner, row 2, column 1, one. Name, column 2, Joel Garner. Phone number, column 3, 412 212 5421. Fax number, column 4, 412 212 5400. City, column 5, Pittsburgh.
OK NVDA 2021.2FF 91 Reading Column headers, but no row headers, announced for TD cells in reading mode, but row headers are announced when using table navigation commands. Table with 4 rows and 5 columns, caption, contact information. Row 1, column 1. Column 2, name. Column 3, phone number. Column 4, fax number. Column 5, city. Row 2, column 1, one. Name, column 2, Joel Garner. Phone number, column 3, 412 212 5421. Fax number, column 4, 412 212 5400. City, column 5, Pittsburgh
OK NVDA 2021.2Edge 94 Reading Column headers, but no row headers, announced for TD cells in reading mode, but row headers are announced when using table navigation commands. Table with 4 rows and 5 columns, caption, contact information. Row 1, column 1. Name, column 2, name. Phone number, column 3, phone number. Fax number, column 4, fax number. City, column 5, city. Joel Garner, row 2, column 1, one. Name, column 2, Joel Garner. Phone number, column 3, 412 212 5421. Fax number, column 4, 412 212 5400. City, column 5, Pittsburgh.
OK NVDA 2020.2Chrome 86 Reading Column headers, but no row headers, announced for TD cells in reading mode, but row headers are announced when using table navigation commands. Table with 4 rows and 5 columns, caption, contact information. Row 1, column 1. Name, column 2, name. Phone number, column 3, phone number. Fax number, column 4, fax number. City, column 5, city. Joel Garner, row 2, column 1, one. Name, column 2, Joel Garner. Phone number, column 3, 412 212 5421. Fax number, column 4, 412 212 5400. City, column 5, Pittsburgh.
OK NVDA 2020.2FF 78 Reading Column headers, but no row headers, announced for TD cells in reading mode, but row headers are announced when using table navigation commands. Table with 4 rows and 5 columns, caption, contact information. Row 1, column 1. Column 2, name. Column 3, phone number. Column 4, fax number. Column 5, city. Row 2, column 1, one. Name, column 2, Joel Garner. Phone number, column 3, 412 212 5421. Fax number, column 4, 412 212 5400. City, column 5, Pittsburgh
OK NVDA 2020.2Edge 92 Reading Column headers, but no row headers, announced for TD cells in reading mode, but row headers are announced when using table navigation commands. Table with 4 rows and 5 columns, caption, contact information. Row 1, column 1. Name, column 2, name. Phone number, column 3, phone number. Fax number, column 4, fax number. City, column 5, city. Joel Garner, row 2, column 1, one. Name, column 2, Joel Garner. Phone number, column 3, 412 212 5421. Fax number, column 4, 412 212 5400. City, column 5, Pittsburgh.
OK NVDA 2019.2Chrome 79 Reading Table with 4 rows and 5 columns, contact information. Row 1, column 1. Name, column 2, name. Phone number, column 3, phone number. Fax number, column 4, fax number. City, column 5, city. Joel Garner, row 2, column 1, one. Name, column 2, Joel Garner. Phone number, column 3, 412 212 5421. Fax number, column 4, 412 212 5400. City, column 5, Pittsburgh.
Fail NVDA 2019.2FF 68 Reading Column headers, but no row headers, announced for TD cells. Table with 4 rows and 5 columns, contact information. Row 1, column 1. Column 2, name. Column 3, phone number. Column 4, fax number. Column 5, city. Row 2, column 1, one. Name, column 2, Joel Garner. Phone number, column 3, 412 212 5421. Fax number, column 4, 412 212 5400. City, column 5, Pittsburgh
Fail NVDA 2019.2IE11 Reading Column headers, but no row headers, announced for TD cells. Table with 4 rows and 5 columns, contact information. Row 1, column 1. Column 2, name. Column 3, phone number. Column 4, fax number. Column 5, city. Row 2, column 1, one. Name, column 2, Joel Garner. Phone number, column 3, 412 212 5421. Fax number, column 4, 412 212 5400. City, column 5, Pittsburgh
OK NVDA 2018.4Chrome 73 Reading Table with 4 rows and 5 columns, contact information. Row 1, column 1. Name, column 2, name. Phone number, column 3, phone number. Fax number, column 4, fax number. City, column 5, city. Joel Garner, row 2, column 1, one. Name, column 2, Joel Garner. Phone number, column 3, 412 212 5421. Fax number, column 4, 412 212 5400. City, column 5, Pittsburgh.
Fail NVDA 2018.4FF 60 Reading Column headers, but no row headers, announced for TD cells. Table with 4 rows and 5 columns, contact information. Row 1, column 1. Column 2, name. Column 3, phone number. Column 4, fax number. Column 5, city. Row 2, column 1, one. Name, column 2, Joel Garner. Phone number, column 3, 412 212 5421. Fax number, column 4, 412 212 5400. City, column 5, Pittsburgh
Fail NVDA 2018.4IE11 Reading Column headers, but no row headers, announced for TD cells. Table with 4 rows and 5 columns, contact information. Row 1, column 1. Column 2, name. Column 3, phone number. Column 4, fax number. Column 5, city. Row 2, column 1, one. Name, column 2, Joel Garner. Phone number, column 3, 412 212 5421. Fax number, column 4, 412 212 5400. City, column 5, Pittsburgh
Fail NVDA 2017.3FF 60 Reading Column headers, but no row headers, announced for TD cells. Table with 4 rows and 5 columns, contact information. Row 1, column 1. Column 2, name. Column 3, phone number. Column 4, fax number. Column 5, city. Row 2, column 1, one. Name, column 2, Joel Garner. Phone number, column 3, 412 212 5421. Fax number, column 4, 412 212 5400. City, column 5, Pittsburgh
Fail NVDA 2017.3IE11 Reading Column headers, but no row headers, announced for TD cells. Table with 4 rows and 5 columns, contact information. Row 1, column 1. Column 2, name. Column 3, phone number. Column 4, fax number. Column 5, city. Row 2, column 1, one. Name, column 2, Joel Garner. Phone number, column 3, 412 212 5421. Fax number, column 4, 412 212 5400. City, column 5, Pittsburgh
Fail NVDA 2016.2FF 48 Reading Column headers, but no row headers, announced for TD cells. Table with 4 rows and 5 columns, contact information. Row 1, column 1. Column 2, name. Column 3, phone number. Column 4, fax number. Column 5, city. Row 2, column 1, one. Name, column 2, Joel Garner. Phone number, column 3, 412 212 5421. Fax number, column 4, 412 212 5400. City, column 5, Pittsburgh
Fail NVDA 2016.2IE11 Reading Column headers, but no row headers, announced for TD cells. Table with 4 rows and 5 columns, contact information. Row 1, column 1. Column 2, name. Column 3, phone number. Column 4, fax number. Column 5, city. Row 2, column 1, one. Name, column 2, Joel Garner. Phone number, column 3, 412 212 5421. Fax number, column 4, 412 212 5400. City, column 5, Pittsburgh
Fail NVDA 2015.2FF 41 Reading Column headers, but no row headers, announced for TD cells. Table with 4 rows and 5 columns, contact information. Row 1, column 1. Column 2, name. Column 3, phone. Column 4, fax. Column 5, city. Row 2, column 1, one. Name, column 2, Joel Garner. Phone, column 3, 412 212 5421. Fax, column 4, 412 212 5400. City, column 5, Pittsburgh
Fail NVDA 2015.2IE11 Reading Column headers, but no row headers, announced for TD cells. Table with 4 rows and 5 columns, contact information. Row 1, column 1. Column 2, name. Column 3, phone. Column 4, fax. Column 5, city. Row 2, column 1, one. Name, column 2, Joel Garner. Phone, column 3, 412 212 5421. Fax, column 4, 412 212 5400. City, column 5, Pittsburgh
Fail NVDA 2014.1FF 41 Reading Column headers, but no row headers, announced for TD cells. Table with 4 rows and 5 columns, contact information. Row 1, column 1. Column 2, name. Column 3, phone. Column 4, fax. Column 5, city. Row 2, column 1, one. Name, column 2, Joel Garner. Phone, column 3, 412 212 5421. Fax, column 4, 412 212 5400. City, column 5, Pittsburgh
Fail NVDA 2014.1IE11 Reading Column headers, but no row headers, announced for TD cells. Table with 4 rows and 5 columns, contact information. Row 1, column 1. Column 2, name. Column 3, phone. Column 4, fax. Column 5, city. Row 2, column 1, one. Name, column 2, Joel Garner. Phone, column 3, 412 212 5421. Fax, column 4, 412 212 5400. City, column 5, Pittsburgh
OK JAWS 2023.2311.34Chrome 120 Reading Row header read out along with column header for cells when using table navigation commands. Table with 5 columns and 4 rows. Contact information. Blank (column 1, row 1, blank). Blank. Name (column 2, row 1, name). Phone number (column 3, row 1, phone number). Fax number (column 4, row 1, fax number). City (column 5, row 1, city). One (column 1, row 2, one). Joel Garner (column 2, row 2, name, Joel Garner). 412 212 5421 (column 3, row 2, phone number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5421). 412 212 5400 (column 4, row 2, fax number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5400). Pittsburgh (column 5, row 2, city, Joel Garner, Pittsburgh)
OK JAWS 2023.2311.34FF 115 Reading Row header read out along with column header for cells when using table navigation commands. Table with 5 columns and 4 rows. Contact information. Blank (column 1, row 1, blank). Name (column 2, row 1, name). Phone number (column 3, row 1, phone number). Fax number (column 4, row 1, fax number). City (column 5, row 1, city). One (column 1, row 2, one). Joel Garner (column 2, row 2, name, Joel Garner). 412 212 5421 (column 3, row 2, phone number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5421). 412 212 5400 (column 4, row 2, fax number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5400). Pittsburgh (column 5, row 2, city, Joel Garner, Pittsburgh)
OK JAWS 2023.2311.34Edge 120 Reading Row header read out along with column header for cells when using table navigation commands. Table with 5 columns and 4 rows. Contact information. Blank (column 1, row 1, blank). Blank. Name (column 2, row 1, name). Phone number (column 3, row 1, phone number). Fax number (column 4, row 1, fax number). City (column 5, row 1, city). One (column 1, row 2, one). Joel Garner (column 2, row 2, name, Joel Garner). 412-212-5421 (column 3, row 2, phone number, Joel Garner, 412-212-5421). 412-212-5400 (column 4, row 2, fax number, Joel Garner, 412-212-5400). Pittsburgh (column 5, row 2, city, Joel Garner, Pittsburgh)
OK JAWS 2022.2207.25Chrome 105 Reading Row header read out along with column header for cells when using table navigation commands. Table with 5 columns and 4 rows. Contact information. Blank (column 1, row 1, blank). Blank. Name (column 2, row 1, name). Phone number (column 3, row 1, phone number). Fax number (column 4, row 1, fax number). City (column 5, row 1, city). One (column 1, row 2, one). Joel Garner (column 2, row 2, name, Joel Garner). 412 212 5421 (column 3, row 2, phone number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5421). 412 212 5400 (column 4, row 2, fax number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5400). Pittsburgh (column 5, row 2, city, Joel Garner, Pittsburgh)
OK JAWS 2022.2207.25FF 102 Reading Row header read out along with column header for cells when using table navigation commands. Table with 5 columns and 4 rows. Contact information. Blank (column 1, row 1, blank). Name (column 2, row 1, name). Phone number (column 3, row 1, phone number). Fax number (column 4, row 1, fax number). City (column 5, row 1, city). One (column 1, row 2, one). Joel Garner (column 2, row 2, name, Joel Garner). 412 212 5421 (column 3, row 2, phone number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5421). 412 212 5400 (column 4, row 2, fax number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5400). Pittsburgh (column 5, row 2, city, Joel Garner, Pittsburgh)
OK JAWS 2022.2207.25Edge 105 Reading Row header read out along with column header for cells when using table navigation commands. Table with 5 columns and 4 rows. Contact information. Blank (column 1, row 1, blank). Blank. Name (column 2, row 1, name). Phone number (column 3, row 1, phone number). Fax number (column 4, row 1, fax number). City (column 5, row 1, city). One (column 1, row 2, one). Joel Garner (column 2, row 2, name, Joel Garner). 412-212-5421 (column 3, row 2, phone number, Joel Garner, 412-212-5421). 412-212-5400 (column 4, row 2, fax number, Joel Garner, 412-212-5400). Pittsburgh (column 5, row 2, city, Joel Garner, Pittsburgh)
OK JAWS 2021.2107.12Chrome 94 Reading Row header read out along with column header for cells when using table navigation commands. Table with 5 columns and 4 rows. Contact information. Blank (column 1, row 1, blank). Blank. Name (column 2, row 1, name). Phone number (column 3, row 1, phone number). Fax number (column 4, row 1, fax number). City (column 5, row 1, city). One (column 1, row 2, one). Joel Garner (column 2, row 2, name, Joel Garner). 412 212 5421 (column 3, row 2, phone number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5421). 412 212 5400 (column 4, row 2, fax number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5400). Pittsburgh (column 5, row 2, city, Joel Garner, Pittsburgh)
OK JAWS 2021.2107.12FF 91 Reading Row header read out along with column header for cells when using table navigation commands. Table with 5 columns and 4 rows. Contact information. Blank (column 1, row 1, blank). Name (column 2, row 1, name). Phone number (column 3, row 1, phone number). Fax number (column 4, row 1, fax number). City (column 5, row 1, city). One (column 1, row 2, one). Joel Garner (column 2, row 2, name, Joel Garner). 412 212 5421 (column 3, row 2, phone number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5421). 412 212 5400 (column 4, row 2, fax number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5400). Pittsburgh (column 5, row 2, city, Joel Garner, Pittsburgh)
OK JAWS 2021.2107.12Edge 94 Reading Row header read out along with column header for cells when using table navigation commands. Table with 5 columns and 4 rows. Contact information. Blank (column 1, row 1, blank). Blank. Name (column 2, row 1, name). Phone number (column 3, row 1, phone number). Fax number (column 4, row 1, fax number). City (column 5, row 1, city). One (column 1, row 2, one). Joel Garner (column 2, row 2, name, Joel Garner). 412-212-5421 (column 3, row 2, phone number, Joel Garner, 412-212-5421). 412-212-5400 (column 4, row 2, fax number, Joel Garner, 412-212-5400). Pittsburgh (column 5, row 2, city, Joel Garner, Pittsburgh)
OK JAWS 2020.2008.24Chrome 86 Reading Row header read out along with column header for cells when using table navigation commands. Table with 5 columns and 4 rows. Contact information. Blank (column 1, row 1, blank). Blank. Name (column 2, row 1, name). Phone number (column 3, row 1, phone number). Fax number (column 4, row 1, fax number). City (column 5, row 1, city). One (column 1, row 2, one). Joel Garner (column 2, row 2, name, Joel Garner). 412 212 5421 (column 3, row 2, phone number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5421). 412 212 5400 (column 4, row 2, fax number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5400). Pittsburgh (column 5, row 2, city, Joel Garner, Pittsburgh)
OK JAWS 2020.2008.24FF 78 Reading Row header read out along with column header for cells when using table navigation commands. Table with 5 columns and 4 rows. Contact information. Blank (column 1, row 1, blank). Name (column 2, row 1, name). Phone number (column 3, row 1, phone number). Fax number (column 4, row 1, fax number). City (column 5, row 1, city). One (column 1, row 2, one). Joel Garner (column 2, row 2, name, Joel Garner). 412 212 5421 (column 3, row 2, phone number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5421). 412 212 5400 (column 4, row 2, fax number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5400). Pittsburgh (column 5, row 2, city, Joel Garner, Pittsburgh)
OK JAWS 2020.2008.24Edge 92 Reading Row header read out along with column header for cells when using table navigation commands. Table with 5 columns and 4 rows. Contact information. Blank (column 1, row 1, blank). Blank. Name (column 2, row 1, name). Phone number (column 3, row 1, phone number). Fax number (column 4, row 1, fax number). City (column 5, row 1, city). One (column 1, row 2, one). Joel Garner (column 2, row 2, name, Joel Garner). 412-212-5421 (column 3, row 2, phone number, Joel Garner, 412-212-5421). 412-212-5400 (column 4, row 2, fax number, Joel Garner, 412-212-5400). Pittsburgh (column 5, row 2, city, Joel Garner, Pittsburgh)
OK JAWS 2019.1912.1Chrome 79 Reading Row header read out along with column header for cells. Table with 5 columns and 4 rows. Contact information. Blank (column 1, row 1, blank). Name (column 2, row 1, name). Phone number (column 3, row 1, phone number). Fax number (column 4, row 1, fax number). City (column 5, row 1, city). One (column 1, row 2, one). Joel Garner (column 2, row 2, name, Joel Garner). 412 212 5421 (column 3, row 2, phone number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5421). 412 212 5400 (column 4, row 2, fax number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5400). Pittsburgh (column 5, row 2, city, Joel Garner, Pittsburgh)
OK JAWS 2019.1912.1FF 68 Reading Row header read out along with column header for cells. Table with 5 columns and 4 rows. Contact information. Blank (column 1, row 1, blank). Name (column 2, row 1, name). Phone number (column 3, row 1, phone number). Fax number (column 4, row 1, fax number). City (column 5, row 1, city). One (column 1, row 2, one). Joel Garner (column 2, row 2, name, Joel Garner). 412 212 5421 (column 3, row 2, phone number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5421). 412 212 5400 (column 4, row 2, fax number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5400). Pittsburgh (column 5, row 2, city, Joel Garner, Pittsburgh)
OK JAWS 2019.1912.1IE11 Reading Row header read out along with column header for cells. Table with 5 columns and 4 rows. Contact information. Blank (column 1, row 1, blank). Name (column 2, row 1, name). Phone number (column 3, row 1, phone number). Fax number (column 4, row 1, fax number). City (column 5, row 1, city). One (column 1, row 2, one). Joel Garner (column 2, row 2, name, Joel Garner). 412-212-5421 (column 3, row 2, phone number, Joel Garner, 412-212-5421). 412-212-5400 (column 4, row 2, fax number, Joel Garner, 412-212-5400). Pittsburgh (column 5, row 2, city, Joel Garner, Pittsburgh)
OK JAWS 2018.1811.2Chrome 73 Reading Row header read out along with column header for cells. Table with 5 columns and 4 rows. Contact information. Blank (column 1, row 1, blank). Name (column 2, row 1, name). Phone number (column 3, row 1, phone number). Fax number (column 4, row 1, fax number). City (column 5, row 1, city). One (column 1, row 2, one). Joel Garner (column 2, row 2, name, Joel Garner). 412 212 5421 (column 3, row 2, phone number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5421). 412 212 5400 (column 4, row 2, fax number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5400). Pittsburgh (column 5, row 2, city, Joel Garner, Pittsburgh)
OK JAWS 2018.1811.2FF 60 Reading Row header read out along with column header for cells. Table with 5 columns and 4 rows. Contact information. Blank (column 1, row 1, blank). Name (column 2, row 1, name). Phone number (column 3, row 1, phone number). Fax number (column 4, row 1, fax number). City (column 5, row 1, city). One (column 1, row 2, one). Joel Garner (column 2, row 2, name, Joel Garner). 412 212 5421 (column 3, row 2, phone number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5421). 412 212 5400 (column 4, row 2, fax number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5400). Pittsburgh (column 5, row 2, city, Joel Garner, Pittsburgh)
OK JAWS 2018.1811.2IE11 Reading Row header read out along with column header for cells. Table with 5 columns and 4 rows. Contact information. Blank (column 1, row 1, blank). Name (column 2, row 1, name). Phone number (column 3, row 1, phone number). Fax number (column 4, row 1, fax number). City (column 5, row 1, city). One (column 1, row 2, one). Joel Garner (column 2, row 2, name, Joel Garner). 412-212-5421 (column 3, row 2, phone number, Joel Garner, 412-212-5421). 412-212-5400 (column 4, row 2, fax number, Joel Garner, 412-212-5400). Pittsburgh (column 5, row 2, city, Joel Garner, Pittsburgh)
OK JAWS 18.0.5038FF 52 Reading Row header read out along with column header for cells. Table with 5 columns and 4 rows. Contact information. Blank (column 1, row 1, blank). Name (column 2, row 1, name). Phone number (column 3, row 1, phone number). Fax number (column 4, row 1, fax number). City (column 5, row 1, city). One (column 1, row 2, one). Joel Garner (column 2, row 2, name, Joel Garner). 412 212 5421 (column 3, row 2, phone number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5421). 412 212 5400 (column 4, row 2, fax number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5400). Pittsburgh (column 5, row 2, city, Joel Garner, Pittsburgh)
OK JAWS 18.0.5038IE11 Reading Row header read out along with column header for cells. Table with 5 columns and 4 rows. Contact information. Blank (column 1, row 1, blank). Name (column 2, row 1, name). Phone number (column 3, row 1, phone number). Fax number (column 4, row 1, fax number). City (column 5, row 1, city). One (column 1, row 2, one). Joel Garner (column 2, row 2, name, Joel Garner). 412-212-5421 (column 3, row 2, phone number, Joel Garner, 412-212-5421). 412-212-5400 (column 4, row 2, fax number, Joel Garner, 412-212-5400). Pittsburgh (column 5, row 2, city, Joel Garner, Pittsburgh)
OK JAWS 17.0.2619FF 48 Reading Row header read out along with column header for cells. Table with 5 columns and 4 rows. Contact information. Blank (column 1, row 1, blank). Name (column 2, row 1, name). Phone number (column 3, row 1, phone number). Fax number (column 4, row 1, fax number). City (column 5, row 1, city). One (column 1, row 2, one). Joel Garner (column 2, row 2, name, Joel Garner). 412 212 5421 (column 3, row 2, phone number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5421). 412 212 5400 (column 4, row 2, fax number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5400). Pittsburgh (column 5, row 2, city, Joel Garner, Pittsburgh)
OK JAWS 17.0.2619IE11 Reading Row header read out along with column header for cells. Table with 5 columns and 4 rows. Contact information. Blank (column 1, row 1, blank). Name (column 2, row 1, name). Phone number (column 3, row 1, phone number). Fax number (column 4, row 1, fax number). City (column 5, row 1, city). One (column 1, row 2, one). Joel Garner (column 2, row 2, name, Joel Garner). 412 212 5421 (column 3, row 2, phone number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5421). 412 212 5400 (column 4, row 2, fax number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5400). Pittsburgh (column 5, row 2, city, Joel Garner, Pittsburgh)
OK JAWS 16.0.4350FF 41 Reading Row header read out along with column header for cells. Table with 5 columns and 4 rows. Contact information. Blank (column 1, row 1, blank). Name (column 2, row 1, name). Phone number (column 3, row 1, phone number). Fax number (column 4, row 1, fax number). City (column 5, row 1, city). One (column 1, row 2, one). Joel Garner (column 2, row 2, name, Joel Garner). 412 212 5421 (column 3, row 2, phone number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5421). 412 212 5400 (column 4, row 2, fax number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5400). Pittsburgh (column 5, row 2, city, Joel Garner, Pittsburgh)
OK JAWS 16.0.4350IE11 Reading Row header read out along with column header for cells. Table with 5 columns and 4 rows. Contact information. Blank (column 1, row 1, blank). Name (column 2, row 1, name). Phone number (column 3, row 1, phone number). Fax number (column 4, row 1, fax number). City (column 5, row 1, city). One (column 1, row 2, one). Joel Garner (column 2, row 2, name, Joel Garner). 412 212 5421 (column 3, row 2, phone number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5421). 412 212 5400 (column 4, row 2, fax number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5400). Pittsburgh (column 5, row 2, city, Joel Garner, Pittsburgh)
OK JAWS 15.0.9023FF 41 Reading Row header read out along with column header for cells. Table with 5 columns and 4 rows. Contact information. Blank (column 1, row 1, blank). Name (column 2, row 1, name). Phone number (column 3, row 1, phone number). Fax number (column 4, row 1, fax number). City (column 5, row 1, city). One (column 1, row 2, one). Joel Garner (column 2, row 2, name, Joel Garner). 412 212 5421 (column 3, row 2, phone, Joel Garner, 412 212 5421). 412 212 5400 (column 4, row 2, fax, Joel Garner, 412 212 5400). Pittsburgh (column 5, row 2, city, Joel Garner, Pittsburgh)
OK JAWS 15.0.9023IE11 Reading Row header read out along with column header for cells. Table with 5 columns and 4 rows. Contact information. Blank (column 1, row 1, blank). Name (column 2, row 1, name). Phone number (column 3, row 1, phone number). Fax number (column 4, row 1, fax number). City (column 5, row 1, city). One (column 1, row 2, one). Joel Garner (column 2, row 2, name, Joel Garner). 412 212 5421 (column 3, row 2, phone number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5421). 412 212 5400 (column 4, row 2, fax number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5400). Pittsburgh (column 5, row 2, city, Joel Garner, Pittsburgh)
OK JAWS 14.0.9002FF 41 Reading Row header read out along with column header for cells. Table with 5 columns and 4 rows. Contact information. Blank (column 1, row 1, blank). Name (column 2, row 1, name). Phone number (column 3, row 1, phone number). Fax number (column 4, row 1, fax number). City (column 5, row 1, city). One (column 1, row 2, one). Joel Garner (column 2, row 2, name, Joel Garner). 412 212 5421 (column 3, row 2, phone, Joel Garner, 412 212 5421). 412 212 5400 (column 4, row 2, fax, Joel Garner, 412 212 5400). Pittsburgh (column 5, row 2, city, Joel Garner, Pittsburgh)
OK JAWS 14.0.9002IE11 Reading Row header read out along with column header for cells. Table with 5 columns and 4 rows. Contact information. Blank (column 1, row 1, blank). Name (column 2, row 1, name). Phone number (column 3, row 1, phone number). Fax number (column 4, row 1, fax number). City (column 5, row 1, city). One (column 1, row 2, one). Joel Garner (column 2, row 2, name, Joel Garner). 412 212 5421 (column 3, row 2, phone number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5421). 412 212 5400 (column 4, row 2, fax number, Joel Garner, 412 212 5400). Pittsburgh (column 5, row 2, city, Joel Garner, Pittsburgh)
OK WindowEyes 9.2IE11Table Table, 4 rows, 5 columns, contact information. Name. Phone. Fax. City. One. Name, Joel Garner. Phone, 412 212 5421. Fax, 412 212 5400. City, Pittsburgh. Two. Name, Clive Lloyd. Phone, 410 306 1420. Fax, 410 306 5400. City, Baltimore.
Fail WindowEyes 8.4IE11TableScope has no effect - header for name column ignored. Table 14, contact information start, 4 rows, 5 columns. (Table 14, contact information, on R one C one) Name. Phone. Fax. City. One. Joel Garner. Phone, 412 212 5421. Fax, 412 212 5400. City, Pittsburgh. Two. Clive Lloyd. Phone, 410 306 1420. Fax, 410 306 5400. City, Baltimore.
OK VoiceOver macOS 13.6Safari 16.6 Reading Contact information, table, 5 columns, 4 rows. Blank, column 1 of 5. Name, column 2 of 5. Phone number, column 3 of 5. Fax number, column 4 of 5. City, column 5 of 5. Row 2 of 4, one, column 1 of 5. Name, Joel Garner, column 2 of 5. Phone, 412 212 5421, column 3 of 5. Fax, 412 212 5400, column 4 of 5. City, Pittsburgh, column 5 of 5. Row 3 of 4, two, column 1 of 5. Name, Clive Lloyd, column 2 of 5. Phone, 410 306 1420, column 3 of 5. Fax, 410 306 5400, column 4 of 5. City, Baltimore, column 5 of 5.
OK VoiceOver macOS 12.5Safari 15.6 Reading Contact information, table, 5 columns, 4 rows. Blank, column 1 of 5. Name, column 2 of 5. Phone number, column 3 of 5. Fax number, column 4 of 5. City, column 5 of 5. Row 2 of 4, one, column 1 of 5. Name, Joel Garner, column 2 of 5. Phone, 412 212 5421, column 3 of 5. Fax, 412 212 5400, column 4 of 5. City, Pittsburgh, column 5 of 5. Row 3 of 4, two, column 1 of 5. Name, Clive Lloyd, column 2 of 5. Phone, 410 306 1420, column 3 of 5. Fax, 410 306 5400, column 4 of 5. City, Baltimore, column 5 of 5.
Fail VoiceOver macOS 11.5Safari 15.0 Reading Row header not read out along with column header for cells (same result with and without scope). Contact information, table, 5 columns, 4 rows. Blank, column 1 of 5. Name, column 2 of 5. Phone number, column 3 of 5. Fax number, column 4 of 5. City, column 5 of 5. Row 2 of 4, one, column 1 of 5. Name, Joel Garner, column 2 of 5. Phone, 412 212 5421, column 3 of 5. Fax, 412 212 5400, column 4 of 5. City, Pittsburgh, column 5 of 5. Row 3 of 4, two, column 1 of 5. Name, Clive Lloyd, column 2 of 5. Phone, 410 306 1420, column 3 of 5. Fax, 410 306 5400, column 4 of 5. City, Baltimore, column 5 of 5.
Fail VoiceOver macOS 10.15Safari 14.1 Reading Row header not read out along with column header for cells (same result with and without scope). Contact information, table, 5 columns, 4 rows. Blank, column 1 of 5. Name, column 2 of 5. Phone number, column 3 of 5. Fax number, column 4 of 5. City, column 5 of 5. Row 2 of 4, one, column 1 of 5. Name, Joel Garner, column 2 of 5. Phone, 412 212 5421, column 3 of 5. Fax, 412 212 5400, column 4 of 5. City, Pittsburgh, column 5 of 5. Row 3 of 4, two, column 1 of 5. Name, Clive Lloyd, column 2 of 5. Phone, 410 306 1420, column 3 of 5. Fax, 410 306 5400, column 4 of 5. City, Baltimore, column 5 of 5.
Fail VoiceOver macOS 10.14Safari 13.0 Reading Row header not read out along with column header for cells (same result with and without scope). Contact information, table, 5 columns, 4 rows. Blank, column 1 of 5. Name, column 2 of 5. Phone number, column 3 of 5. Fax number, column 4 of 5. City, column 5 of 5. Row 2 of 4, one, column 1 of 5. Name, Joel Garner, column 2 of 5. Phone, 412 212 5421, column 3 of 5. Fax, 412 212 5400, column 4 of 5. City, Pittsburgh, column 5 of 5. Row 3 of 4, two, column 1 of 5. Name, Clive Lloyd, column 2 of 5. Phone, 410 306 1420, column 3 of 5. Fax, 410 306 5400, column 4 of 5. City, Baltimore, column 5 of 5.
Fail VoiceOver macOS 10.13Safari 12.1 Reading Row header not read out along with column header for cells (same result with and without scope). Contact information, table, 5 columns, 4 rows. Blank, column 1 of 5. Name, column 2 of 5. Phone number, column 3 of 5. Fax number, column 4 of 5. City, column 5 of 5. Row 2 of 4, one, column 1 of 5. Name, Joel Garner, column 2 of 5. Phone, 412 212 5421, column 3 of 5. Fax, 412 212 5400, column 4 of 5. City, Pittsburgh, column 5 of 5. Row 3 of 4, two, column 1 of 5. Name, Clive Lloyd, column 2 of 5. Phone, 410 306 1420, column 3 of 5. Fax, 410 306 5400, column 4 of 5. City, Baltimore, column 5 of 5.
Fail VoiceOver macOS 10.12Safari 10.1.2 Reading Row header not read out along with column header for cells (same result with and without scope). Contact information, table, 5 columns, 4 rows. Blank, column 1 of 5. Name, column 2 of 5. Phone number, column 3 of 5. Fax number, column 4 of 5. City, column 5 of 5. Row 2 of 4 name, one, column 1 of 5. Name, Joel Garner, column 2 of 5. Phone, 412 212 5421, column 3 of 5. Fax, 412 212 5400, column 4 of 5. City, Pittsburgh, column 5 of 5. Row 3 of 4 name, two, column 1 of 5. Name, Clive Lloyd, column 2 of 5. Phone, 410 306 1420, column 3 of 5. Fax, 410 306 5400, column 4 of 5. City, Baltimore, column 5 of 5.
Fail VoiceOver macOS 10.11Safari 9.1.2 Reading Row header not read out along with column header for cells (same result with and without scope). Contact information, table, 5 columns, 4 rows. Blank, column 1 of 5. Name, column 2 of 5. Phone number, column 3 of 5. Fax number, column 4 of 5. City, column 5 of 5. Row 2 of 4 name, one, column 1 of 5. Name, Joel Garner, column 2 of 5. Phone, 412 212 5421, column 3 of 5. Fax, 412 212 5400, column 4 of 5. City, Pittsburgh, column 5 of 5. Row 3 of 4 name, two, column 1 of 5. Name, Clive Lloyd, column 2 of 5. Phone, 410 306 1420, column 3 of 5. Fax, 410 306 5400, column 4 of 5. City, Baltimore, column 5 of 5.
Fail VoiceOver macOS 10.10Safari 9.0.1 Reading Row header not read out along with column header for cells (same result with and without scope). Contact information, table, 5 columns, 4 rows. Blank, column 1 of 5. Name name, column 2 of 5. Phone, phone number, column 3 of 5. Fax, fax number, column 4 of 5. City, city, column 5 of 5. Row 2 of 4 name, one, column 1 of 5. Name, Joel Garner, column 2 of 5. Phone, 412 212 5421, column 3 of 5. Fax, 412 212 5400, column 4 of 5. City, Pittsburgh, column 5 of 5. Row 3 of 4 name, two, column 1 of 5. Name, Clive Lloyd, column 2 of 5. Phone, 410 306 1420, column 3 of 5. Fax, 410 306 5400, column 4 of 5. City, Baltimore, column 5 of 5.
Fail VoiceOver iOS 16.6Safari iOS 16.6TouchIncomprehensible - doesn't read any cell headings, and reads out meaningless row number for caption. Contact information, row -90020023372036854775808, table start, 4 rows, 5 columns. Name, row header, row 1 column 2. Phone hash symbol, row 1 column 3. Fax hash symbol, row 1 column 4. City, row 1 column 5. One, row 2 column 1. Joel Garner, row 2 column 2. 412 212 5421, row 2 column 3. 412 212 5400, row 2 column 4. Pittsburgh, row 2 column 5. Two, row 3 column 1. Clive Lloyd, row 3 column 2. 410 306 1420, row 3 column 3. 410 306 5400, row 3 column 4. Baltimore, row 3 column 5.
Fail VoiceOver iOS 15.6Safari iOS 15.6TouchIncomprehensible - doesn't read any cell headings, and reads out meaningless row number for caption. Contact information, row -90020023372036854775808, table start, 4 rows, 5 columns. Name, row header, row 1 column 2. Phone hash symbol, row 1 column 3. Fax hash symbol, row 1 column 4. City, row 1 column 5. One, row 2 column 1. Joel Garner, row 2 column 2. 412 212 5421, row 2 column 3. 412 212 5400, row 2 column 4. Pittsburgh, row 2 column 5. Two, row 3 column 1. Clive Lloyd, row 3 column 2. 410 306 1420, row 3 column 3. 410 306 5400, row 3 column 4. Baltimore, row 3 column 5.
Fail VoiceOver iOS 14.7Safari iOS 14.7TouchIncomprehensible - doesn't read any cell headings, and reads out meaningless row number for caption. Contact information, row -90020023372036854775808, table start, 4 rows, 5 columns. Name, row header, row 1 column 2. Phone hash symbol, row 1 column 3. Fax hash symbol, row 1 column 4. City, row 1 column 5. One, row 2 column 1. Joel Garner, row 2 column 2. 412 212 5421, row 2 column 3. 412 212 5400, row 2 column 4. Pittsburgh, row 2 column 5. Two, row 3 column 1. Clive Lloyd, row 3 column 2. 410 306 1420, row 3 column 3. 410 306 5400, row 3 column 4. Baltimore, row 3 column 5.
Fail VoiceOver iOS 13.3Safari iOS 13.3TouchIncomprehensible - doesn't read any cell headings, and reads out meaningless row number for caption. Contact information, row -90020023372036854775808, table start, 4 rows, 5 columns. Name, row header, row 1 column 2. Phone hash symbol, row 1 column 3. Fax hash symbol, row 1 column 4. City, row 1 column 5. One, row 2 column 1. Joel Garner, row 2 column 2. 412 212 5421, row 2 column 3. 412 212 5400, row 2 column 4. Pittsburgh, row 2 column 5. Two, row 3 column 1. Clive Lloyd, row 3 column 2. 410 306 1420, row 3 column 3. 410 306 5400, row 3 column 4. Baltimore, row 3 column 5.
Fail VoiceOver iOS 12.4Safari iOS 12.4TouchIncomprehensible - doesn't read any cell headings. Contact information, table start, 4 rows, 5 columns. Name, row 1 column 2. Phone hash symbol, row 1 column 3. Fax hash symbol, row 1 column 4. City, row 1 column 5. One, row 2 column 1. Joel Garner, row 2 column 2. 412 212 5421, row 2 column 3. 412 212 5400, row 2 column 4. Pittsburgh, row 2 column 5. Two, row 3 column 1. Clive Lloyd, row 3 column 2. 410 306 1420, row 3 column 3. 410 306 5400, row 3 column 4. Baltimore, row 3 column 5.
Fail VoiceOver iOS 11.4Safari iOS 11.4TouchIncomprehensible - doesn't read any cell headings. Contact information, table start, 4 rows, 5 columns. Name, row 1 column 2. Phone hash symbol, row 1 column 3. Fax hash symbol, row 1 column 4. City, row 1 column 5. One, row 2 column 1. Joel Garner, row 2 column 2. 412 212 5421, row 2 column 3. 412 212 5400, row 2 column 4. Pittsburgh, row 2 column 5. Two, row 3 column 1. Clive Lloyd, row 3 column 2. 410 306 1420, row 3 column 3. 410 306 5400, row 3 column 4. Baltimore, row 3 column 5.
Fail VoiceOver iOS 10.3Safari iOS 10.3TouchIncomprehensible - reads out the wrong headings for cells (same result with and without scope). Contact information, table start, 4 rows, 5 columns. Phone hash symbol, name, row 1, column 2. Fax hash symbol, phone hash symbol, column 3. City, fax hash symbol, column 4. City, column 5. Name, one, row 2, column 1. Phone hash symbol, Joel Garner, column 2. Fax hash symbol, 412 212 5421, column 3. City, 412 212 5400, column 4. Pittsburgh, column 5. Name, two, row 3, column 1. Phone hash symbol, Clive Lloyd, column 2. Fax hash symbol, 410 306 1420, column 3. City, 410 306 5400, column 4. Baltimore, column 5.
Fail VoiceOver iOS 9.1Safari iOS 9.1TouchIncomprehensible - reads out the wrong headings for cells (same result with and without scope). Contact information, table start. Phone number, name. Fax number, phone number. City, fax number. City. Name, one. Phone number, Joel Garner. Fax number, 412 212 5421. City, 412 212 5400. Pittsburgh. Name, two. Phone number, Clive Lloyd. Fax number, 410 306 1420. City, 410 306 5400. Baltimore.
Fail VoiceOver iOS 8.4Safari iOS 8.4TouchIncomprehensible - reads out the wrong headings for cells. Phone number, name, table start. Fax number, phone number. City, fax number. City. Name, one. Phone number, Joel Garner. Fax number, 412 212 5421. City, 412 212 5400. Pittsburgh. Name, two. Phone number, Clive Lloyd. Fax number, 410 306 1420. City, 410 306 5400. Baltimore.

SortSite rules: AccHtmlTableComplexHeaders

Test notes

All tests were carried out with screen reader factory settings. JAWS in particular has a wide variety of settings controlling exactly what gets spoken.

Screen readers allow users to interact in different modes, and can produce very different results in each mode. The modes used in these tests are:

  • Reading Content read using the “read next” command in a screen reader
  • Tabbing Content read using the “tab” key in a screen reader
  • Heading Content read using the “next heading” key in a screen reader
  • Touch Content read when touching an area of screen on a mobile device

In the “What the user hears” column:

  • Commas represent short pauses in screen reader voicing
  • Full Stops represent places where voicing stops, and the “read next” or “tab” or “next heading” command is pressed again
  • Ellipsis … represent a long pause in voicing
  • (Brackets) represent voicing that requires a keystroke to hear