th-has-data-cells · WCAG 1.3.1 Info and Relationships · Level AHow to fix the “th-has-data-cells” accessibility issue
The axe-core th-has-data-cells rule fails when a <th> header has no data cells associated with it — usually a sign a layout table is using <th>, or a data table's headers are not wired to its cells. WCAG 2.2 (1.3.1, Level A).
What axe-core checks
axe-core checks that every <th> in a data table has corresponding <td> cells in its row or column.
Which standard this maps to
| WCAG 2.2 | 1.3.1 Info and Relationships (Level A) |
| EN 301 549 | 9.1.3.1 |
| BFSG / EAA | BFSG § 12 via EN 301 549 · EAA Annex I |
| Category | Structure & Landmarks |
Why it matters
Spec tables, size charts and order histories are real data tables. If the header/cell relationship is broken, a screen reader reads the numbers without their column meaning — “42” instead of “EU size: 42”. The companion rule td-headers-attr covers the reverse wiring.
Common causes
- A layout table built with
<th>elements - Header cells in a table that has no data rows
<th>used for styling a normal cell- Complex tables missing
scopeorheaders/idwiring
How to fix it
Use <th> only for real headers in data tables, and add scope="col"/scope="row". Do not use tables for layout.
<table>
<tr><th scope="col">Size</th><th scope="col">Chest</th></tr>
<tr><td>M</td><td>96 cm</td></tr>
</table>FAQ
No. Use CSS grid/flex for layout; reserve <table> for genuine tabular data.
scope is enough for simple tables. Use headers/id only for complex tables with merged or multi-level headers.
Find every issue like this on your site
Run a free WCAG 2.2 AA scan — real axe-core engine, no signup. Or get a timestamped evidence report for €29.