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Accessibility: Excel

A Guide from the Accessibility Advocate

Accessible Spreadsheets

Best Practices

  • Give all worksheets unique names, and remove blank worksheets.

  • Add text to cell A1.Screen readers start reading any worksheet from cell A1.

  • Use a simple table structure for data only, and specify column header information.

  • Include alt text with all visuals.

  • Use sufficient contrast for text and background colors. Do not use color alone to convey information.

  • Check your work with the accessibility checker.

Learn More

Microsoft: Make your Excel Spreadsheets Accessible to People with Disabilities

Microsoft Training Video: Create Accessible Tables in Excel

WebAIM: Microsoft Excel, Maxmiizing Spreadsheet Accessibility