---
title: Table Caption vs Summary | Accessibility Rule
description: Tables should not have the same summary and caption
source_url:
  html: https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/table-duplicate-name
  md: https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/table-duplicate-name/index.md
---
# Make sure the \<caption\> element does not contain the same text as the summary attribute

Rule ID: table-duplicate-nameUser Impact: minorGuidelines: Best Practices

The `table-duplicate-name` rule ensures that a table’s `<caption>` and `summary` attribute do not contain identical text, as this can confuse screen reader users.

## What is being tested?

This rule checks that:

- The `<caption>` (visible to all users) and the `summary` attribute (read only by screen readers) do not have identical content.

## Why it matters

Screen readers announce both the `summary` and `<caption>`. When they are identical, it can cause confusion and reduce the clarity of the table’s purpose or structure.

## How to fix the problem

- Use `<caption>` to provide an onscreen title or label for the table.
- Use the `summary` attribute to describe the table structure or give extra context for screen reader users.

## Good markup example

    <table summary="This table shows the number of items sold per month.">
      <caption>Monthly Sales Report</caption>
      <tr>
        <th>Month</th><th>Items Sold</th>
      </tr>
      <tr><td>January</td><td>100</td></tr>
    </table>

## Incorrect markup example

    <table summary="Monthly Sales Report">
      <caption>Monthly Sales Report</caption>
      <tr>
        <th>Month</th><th>Items Sold</th>
      </tr>
      <tr><td>January</td><td>100</td></tr>
    </table>

## Best practices

- Make `<caption>` brief and visible, acting as the table’s title.
- Use the `summary` only when necessary, and provide details about layout, relationships, or extra instructions for screen readers.
- If using HTML5, note that the `summary` attribute is deprecated and should be replaced with ARIA or descriptive text.

## Other Rules

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

- [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)
- [meta-refresh-no-exceptions](https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/meta-refresh-no-exceptions)
- [css-orientation-lock](https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/css-orientation-lock)
- [focus-order-semantics](https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/focus-order-semantics)