Body
Environment
Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets
Issue
Merged cells are often used in spreadsheet programs to style headings and for other visual effects. However, these will be difficult or impossible for screen readers to interpret correctly. They can also cause other problems, such as complicating sorting and formula calculations.
Resolution
- Use a layout that does not require merging cells. For example, put explanatory labels in column A and the information they describe in column B. If you use color fill, that can visually indicate a subheading row without needing to merge cells, and the screen reader user should be able to identify the row as a subheading since it doesn't contain any other information.
- In Excel, use the Center Across Selection feature to make headers visually span multiple columns without merging cells (there is not an equivalent feature in Google Sheets):
- Select the cells you want to use for the header.
- Right click on the selected cells. A menu will pop up.
- Choose Format Cells from the menu. A dialogue box will appear.
- In the dialogue box, choose the Format Cells tab.
- In the "Horizontal" combo box, choose "Center Across Selection"
- Choose the "OK" button.
- Consider whether a word processor or other type of document authoring program would be more effective. For example, word processors have the advantage of making it easier to create multiple separate tables where appropriate.
Additional Information
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