URL: /rules/a11y/table-headers

---
title: "Table Headers"
description: "Checks that data tables have proper headers"
---

Checks that data tables have proper headers

| | |
|---|---|
| **Rule ID** | `a11y/table-headers` |
| **Category** | [Accessibility](/rules/a11y) |
| **Scope** | Per-page |
| **Severity** | warning |
| **Weight** | 4/10 |

## Solution

Data tables need proper headers for screen reader users to understand relationships. Use `<th>` for header cells, not styled `<td>`. Add scope='col' or scope='row' to clarify header direction. For complex tables, use id and headers attributes to associate data cells with headers. Include a `<caption>` to describe the table's purpose. Layout tables should have role='presentation'.

## Enable / Disable

### Disable this rule

```toml squirrel.toml
[rules]
disable = ["a11y/table-headers"]
```

### Disable all Accessibility rules

```toml squirrel.toml
[rules]
disable = ["a11y/*"]
```

### Enable only this rule

```toml squirrel.toml
[rules]
enable = ["a11y/table-headers"]
disable = ["*"]
```