---
title: Input Button Discernible Text | Accessibility Rule
description: Input buttons must have discernible text
source_url:
  html: https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/input-button-name
  md: https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/input-button-name/index.md
---
# Ensure input buttons have discernible text

Rule ID: input-button-nameUser Impact: criticalGuidelines: WCAG 2.0

Ensure that all `<input>` elements of type `button`, `submit`, or `reset` have accessible names to convey their purpose to users, especially those relying on assistive technologies.

## About This Rule

This rule ensures that input buttons have discernible text, enhancing accessibility for users who rely on screen readers. Adhering to this guideline aligns with the following standards:

- WCAG 2.1 (A): 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value
- WCAG 2.0 (A): 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value
- Section 508: 1194.22 (a)

## Why It Matters

Screen reader users depend on accessible names to understand the function of input buttons. Without discernible text, these users may be unable to determine the purpose of a button, leading to confusion and a diminished user experience.

## How to Fix

To make input buttons accessible:

- **Use the `value` Attribute:** For `<input>` elements of type `button`, `submit`, or `reset`, provide a descriptive label using the `value` attribute: 

    <input type="submit" value="Search">

- **Use the `aria-label` Attribute:** Alternatively, assign an accessible name using the `aria-label` attribute: 

    <input type="button" aria-label="Close">

- **Use the `aria-labelledby` Attribute:** You can also reference an existing element that provides the label using the `aria-labelledby` attribute: 

    <input type="reset" aria-labelledby="resetLabel">
    <span id="resetLabel">Clear Form</span>

- **Use the `title` Attribute:** As a last resort, provide a tooltip with the `title` attribute: 

    <input type="button" title="Help">

### Examples

#### Incorrect

An input button without discernible text:

    <input type="button">

#### Correct

An input button with a descriptive value:

    <input type="button" value="Submit Form">

## More Information

- [H36: Using the value attribute of the input element to define the label](https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG21/Techniques/html/H36)
- [ARIA8: Using aria-label for elements](https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG21/Techniques/aria/ARIA8)

## Other Rules

Interested in other web accessibility rules? Please see these other rules:

- [input-image-alt](https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/input-image-alt)
- [label](https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/label)
- [link-in-text-block](https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/link-in-text-block)
- [link-name](https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/link-name)
- [list](https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/list)