Tables in HTML

Tables are used to represent relationships and complex data, such as scores and stats, money markets, databases, etc.

We can use tables to organize less complex (non-statistical) information. Tables can also break up linear information groups; for example, homework step numbers, step details, and step images).

However, once we learn about external CSS, you’ll find that organizing text-based elements using stylesheets is a better practice. This is primarily because tables can be difficult for accessibility software to translate if done improperly.

The example on the following pages will show this situation, using a simple 2x2 set-up (“2 rows by 2 columns”):

<table style="width: 200px; margin: 40px auto;">
   <tr>
      <th></th>
      <th scope="col">Column A</th>
   </tr>
   <tr>
      <th scope="row">Row 1</th>
      <td>Cell A1</td>
   </tr>
</table>

Result:

Column A
Row 1 Cell A1