Accessibility Practices
Use the following accessibility practices to make spreadsheets accessible and improve usability for everyone.
- Write in plain language, avoiding jargon.
- Include info about each sheet in cell A1.
- Give sheets concise and unique names to differentiate.
- Write link text that helps users know something about their destination if they click on it.
- Provide links to other sheets when there are multiple sheets in the file.
- Avoid phrases like “click here,” “learn more,” and “read more.”
- Visit WebAIM’s article on Link Text and Appearance to learn more.
- Visit Microsoft’s instructions on add accessible hyperlink text and ScreenTips
- Ensure the contrast ratio between text color and the background color is at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text.
- Avoid gold on white: Accessible Text & Color.
- Visit the Check Accessibility webpage for a list of contrast checkers.
- Do not use color as the only method to convey meaning.
- Include an additional descriptive component such as text, patterns, or shapes.
- Learn more about Contrast and Color Accessibility (WebAIM).
- Explore the DIAGRAM Center guide on how to describe non-text content such as charts and graphs.
- Learn how to add alt text to visuals in Microsoft Excel.
- Use a simple table structure.
- Give tables a descriptive name.
- Use table headers.
- Avoid blank cells, columns, and rows.
- If you must have blank cells, enter “no data”.
- Place tables on a separate sheet for simpler navigation.
- Use cell styles to indicate row headings.
- Give tables a meaningful name on the Table Tools Design tab
- Create clear labels for columns and rows.
- Do not use hidden columns and rows.
- Learn how to create accessible Excel workbooks
Check for Accessibility
As you design, develop, or create digital content, always check accessibility.