Scope needs a valid value on a header cell

• Rule: axe/scope-attr-valid
• Checks: scope attribute should be used correctly
• WCAG: none; a best practice, not a WCAG success criterion
• Fix class: mechanical: A fix needs no authored text or visual decision.

Who it affects

• People who use a screen reader or a braille display, most of them blind.

How to fix it

scope is on a <td>

If the cell names a row or column, make it a <th> and keep scope. If it holds data, remove scope.

<table>
  <caption>Opening hours</caption>
  <tr>
    <th scope="col">Day</th>
    <th scope="col">Hours</th>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <th scope="row">Monday</th>
    <td>9:00 to 17:00</td>
  </tr>
</table>

scope has a value other than row, col, rowgroup or colgroup, such as scope="column"

Use col for a column header, row for a row header, and colgroup or rowgroup for a header that spans a group of columns or rows.

Fixes that fail

Removing scope from a <td> that is really a header

The rule passes, but assistive technology still treats the cell as data. Make it a <th>.

More on the rule

axe-core’s documentation of the rule

CORA’s fix guidance adapts content from accessibility-agents, under the MIT License: see its notice.