---
title: Valid table scope Attribute | Accessibility Rule
description: scope attribute should be used correctly
source_url:
  html: https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/scope-attr-valid
  md: https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/scope-attr-valid/index.md
---
# Make sure the scope attribute is used correctly on tables

Rule ID: scope-attr-validUser Impact: moderateGuidelines: Best Practices

The `scope-attr-valid` rule ensures that the `scope` attribute is used correctly in tables—specifically on `<th>` elements, and with valid values.

## What is being tested?

This rule checks that:

- In HTML5, `scope` is only used on `<th>` elements.
- In HTML4, `scope` can be used on `<th>` and `<td>` elements.
- The value of the `scope` attribute is `row` or `col`.

## Why it matters

The `scope` attribute improves table navigation for screen reader users by defining which headers apply to which rows or columns. Without it—or when used incorrectly—screen readers can misinterpret the table, making it harder or slower for users to understand the data.

## Good markup example

    <table>
      <caption><strong>Greensprings Running Club Personal Bests</strong></caption>
      <tr>
        <th scope="col">Name</th>
        <th scope="col">1 mile</th>
        <th scope="col">5 km</th>
        <th scope="col">10 km</th>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <th scope="row">Mary</th>
        <td>8:32</td>
        <td>28:04</td>
        <td>1:01:16</td>
      </tr>
    </table>

## Incorrect markup examples

    <td scope="col">Invalid in HTML5</td>
    
    <th scope="group">Invalid scope value</th>

## Best practices

- Use `<th>` for header cells and apply `scope="col"` or `scope="row"` as appropriate.
- In HTML5, avoid using `scope` on `<td>` elements.
- For complex tables, consider using `headers` and `id` attributes instead of relying solely on `scope`.

## Other Rules

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

- [skip-link](https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/skip-link)
- [tabindex](https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/tabindex)
- [table-duplicate-name](https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/table-duplicate-name)
- [color-contrast-enhanced](https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/color-contrast-enhanced)
- [identical-links-same-purpose](https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/identical-links-same-purpose)