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Excel Worksheets Accessibility How-To Guide

Purpose: 

This guide will assist faculty to create Excel worksheets that are accessible so that all students—including those using screen readers or assistive technologies—can understand, navigate, and interpret spreadsheet content. 

Accessible spreadsheets ensure that data relationships, headers, and structure are clearly communicated, allowing students to work with course data independently. 

1. Organize Data with Clear Structure 

Why: Screen readers interpret spreadsheets cell by cell. A clear structure helps users understand how data relates across rows and columns. 

How: 

  1. Begin your spreadsheet in Cell A1 whenever possible. 

  1. Use Row 1 for column headers. 

  1. Use Column A for row labels if needed. 

  1. Keep each worksheet focused on one data table or concept. 

  1. Avoid leaving blank rows or columns within your data. 

Tips: 

  • Place titles or instructions above the data table 

  • Keep data organized in consistent columns and rows 

  • Avoid complex layouts that require visual interpretation 

Example 

Student Assignment 1 Assignment 2 Final Grade




For more information, please visit Clear Structure. 

2. Format Data as an Accessible Table 

Why: Excel tables create structured relationships between headers and data, which screen readers rely on to interpret information. 

How: 

  1. Select the entire data range. 

  1. Go to Insert ® Table. 

  1. Ensure “My table has headers” is checked. 

  1. Select OK. 

Excel will automatically format the table and preserve header relationships. 

Tips: 

  • Use tables instead of manually formatting rows and columns 

  • Avoid splitting or merging cells within tables 

  • Keep tables simple and readable 

For more information, please view the Accessible Tables document. 

 3. Provide Descriptive Sheet Names 

Why: Screen reader users navigate worksheets by sheet names. Generic names like Sheet1 provide no context. 

How: 

  1. Locate the sheet tab at the bottom of Excel. 

  1. Right-click the sheet name. 

  1. Select Rename. 

  1. Enter a clear name describing the content. 

Examples: 

Good sheet names: 

    • Student Grades 

    • Weekly Attendance 

    • Lab Data Results 

Poor sheet names: 

    • Sheet1 

    • Data 

    • Table 

For more information, please visit Legible/Readable/Understandable. 

4. Avoid Blank Cells for Layout 

Why: Blank cells used for spacing can confuse readers and break the logical flow of data. 

How: 

  1. Use consistent rows and columns instead of spacing. 

  1. If information is missing, enter:

    • N/A

    • Not Available 

Tips: 

  • Avoid inserting empty rows within tables 

  • Keep datasets continuous and consistent 

For more information, please review the Accessible Tables document. 

5. Add Meaningful Labels and Instructions 

Why: Students using assistive technology may not see visual cues that explain how to interpret the spreadsheet. 

How: 

  1. Add instructions or context above the data table. 

  1. Clearly label columns and rows. 

  1. Include units or measurement labels when needed. 

 

Example: 

Table 1: Final grades for Spring semester 

Columns represent assignments and final course grades. 

 

Tips: 

  • Keep instructions short and clear 

  • Place explanations before the data students will interpret 

For more information, please visit Legible/Readable/Understandable. 

6. Do Not Use Color Alone to Convery Meaning 

Why: Students with color vision deficiencies may not see color differences used to highlight information. 

How: 

If color is used, add additional indicators such as: 

  • Text labels 

  • Symbols 

  • Icons 

Example: 

Instead of: 

🔴 Red = Missing assignment 

Use: 

Red + label: Missing 

Tips: 

  • Combine color with text or symbols 

  • Ensure high contrast between text and background 

For more information, please visit Color Considerations. 

7. Check Color Contrast 

Why: Low contrast makes text difficult to read for students with low vision. 

Guidelines: 

  • Normal text: 4.5:1 contrast ratio 

  • Large text: 3:1 contrast ratio 

Use the WebAIM Contrast Checker to test color combinations 

Tips: 

  • Use dark text on light backgrounds 

  • Avoid patterns or color backgrounds behind text 

For more information, please visit Color Considerations. 

8. Use Descriptive Hyperlinks 

Why: Screen readers often read links independently of surrounding text. 

How: 

  1. Highlight the text you want to link. 

  1. Press Ctrl + K (Windows) or Cmd + K (Mac). 

  1. Enter the URL. 

  1. Ensure the displayed text describes the destination. 

Example: 

Good example: Course Data Repository 

Poor example: Click here 

For more information, please visit Descriptive Links. 

9. Run Excel’s Accessibility Checker 

Why: The Accessibility Checker identifies common issues automatically. 

How: 

  1. Select Review ® Check Accessibility. 

  1. Review issues in the Accessibility panel. 

  1. Follow recommendations to resolve flagged issues. 

 

Common issues include: 

  • Missing table headers 

  • Merged cells 

  • Poor contrast 

  • Missing labels 

 

Tips: 

  • Run the checker before sharing or uploading files 

  • Automated tools cannot evaluate content clarity, so review manually 

For more information, please visit Accessibility Checkers. 

Optional: Test with a Screen Reader 

Why: Screen readers reveal how accessible your spreadsheet truly is. 

Common Screen Readers 

Windows:  

    • NVDA 

    • JAWS 

Mac: 

    • VoiceOVER 

Tips: 

Use screen readers to confirm: 

  • Headers are announced correctly 

  • Tables are easy to navigate 

  • Instructions are clear 

For more information, please review the Native Screen Readers document. 

Quick Reference / Checklist  

 

Task Done?
Organize data in rows and columns 

☐ 
Format data as a table 

☐ 
Use descriptive sheet names 

☐ 
Avoid blank cells for spacing 

☐ 
Add clear labels and instructions 

☐ 
Avoid using color alone for meaning 

☐ 
Check color contrast 

☐ 
Use descriptive hyperlinks 

☐ 
Run Accessibility Checker 

☐ 
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