Spreadsheet Structure
Spreadsheet Structure
Give all Sheet Tabs Unique Names
- Does each tab have a unique name that is descriptive of the sheet contents?
How?
Provide descriptive tab titles for each sheet.
- Right click the sheet tab, then click Rename.
- Type a short, unique name that describes the contents of the sheet.
Why is this important?
Sheet names should provide information about what is found on the worksheet, making it easier to navigate through a workbook.
Resources
Remove Blank Sheets
- Are blank sheets removed?
How?
Remove blank sheets.
- Right click the sheet tab, then click Delete.
Why is this important?
Blank sheets confuse the screen reader.
Resources
- Change the [Default] Number of Worksheets in a New Workbook
- Delete Sheet Tabs
- Add, Rename or Delete Sheets (Excel 2016) Training Video
Mark the End of the Worksheet
- Has “end of worksheet” been entered in the row immediately following the last row?
How?
Enter “end of worksheet” in the row immediately following the last row.
Why is this important?
Providing this information will assist a user relying on a screen reader to navigate information in a spreadsheet.
Resources
Avoid Blank Cells, Rows and Columns
- Have blank rows or columns for spacing been avoided?
- If the blank cell must be included, was “This cell intentionally left blank,” “N/A,” or “No data” entered in the cell?
How?
Use alignment tools or resize rows and columns for layout. Hide unused rows & columns.
Tip: Screen readers do not announce the color or size of text. Fillers such as “This cell intentionally left blank,” “N/A,” or “No data” can be the same color as the table background. This will make the content invisible to those who are able to see the table while also providing helpful context to those using a screen reader.
Why is this important?
When navigating the by keyboard, a blank row, column or cell may improperly indicate that there is nothing in the table.
Resources
- Resize Rows and Columns Training Video
- Insert or Delete Rows or Columns Training Video
- Hide or Unhide Columns Training Video