Excel: Navigation Techniques and Worksheet Structure Overview

Overview

Proper navigation structure ensures screen reader users can find, understand, and move through workbook content efficiently, meeting WCAG 2.4.2 and 1.3.1 requirements.

Considerations

• Use meaningful, descriptive names for sheets, tables, and charts.
• Provide contextual information to explain relationships between elements.
• Start all worksheets at cell A1.
• Indicate where content ends (e.g., “End of Worksheet” in column A).
• Keys and legends should include location descriptions.
• Merged cells may be used outside tables and aligned to column A.
• Avoid unnecessary blank rows or columns.

Steps

1. Ensure content begins at cell A1.
2. Add descriptive labels and context where needed.
3. Mark the end of content clearly.
4. Review spacing to avoid unnecessary gaps.