---
title: Use <caption> for Tables | Accessibility Rule
description: Data or header cells must not be used to give caption to a data table.
source_url:
  html: https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/table-fake-caption
  md: https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/table-fake-caption/index.md
---
# Ensure that tables with a caption use the \<caption\> element.

Rule ID: table-fake-captionUser Impact: seriousGuidelines: Experimental

The `table-fake-caption` rule ensures that tables use a proper `<caption>` element to define the table title instead of visually faking it with `colspan` on cells.

## What is being tested?

This rule checks if data tables use an actual `<caption>` element to provide the table’s title, rather than using cells styled with `colspan` to mimic a caption visually.

## Why it matters

Screen readers rely on proper table markup to announce the table’s purpose and structure. Without a real `<caption>` element, users of assistive technology may not understand what the table represents, leading to confusion or missed information.

## How to fix the problem

- Use a real `<caption>` element inside the `<table>` tag to provide the table title.
- Remove any cells with `colspan` that are used only for visual captions.

## Correct example

    <table>
      <caption>Greensprings Running Club Personal Bests</caption>
      <thead>
        <tr>
          <th>Name</th>
          <th>1 mile</th>
          <th>5 km</th>
          <th>10 km</th>
        </tr>
      </thead>
      <tbody>
        <tr><th>Mary</th><td>8:32</td><td>28:04</td><td>1:01:16</td></tr>
        <tr><th>Betsy</th><td>7:43</td><td>26:47</td><td>55:38</td></tr>
      </tbody>
    </table>

## Incorrect example

    <table>
      <tr><td colspan="4">Greensprings Running Club Personal Bests</td></tr>
      <tr><th>Name</th><th>1 mile</th><th>5 km</th><th>10 km</th></tr>
      <tr><th>Mary</th><td>8:32</td><td>28:04</td><td>1:01:16</td></tr>
    </table>

## Best practices

- Always provide a `<caption>` to describe the table’s purpose.
- Keep captions concise and meaningful.
- Avoid using visual tricks like merged cells or styled text to simulate a caption.

## Other Rules

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

- [td-has-header](https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/td-has-header)
- [aria-roledescription](https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/aria-roledescription)
- [audio-caption](https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/audio-caption)
- [duplicate-id-active](https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/duplicate-id-active)
- [duplicate-id](https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/duplicate-id)