Types of Tables

Data Table

This is a Data Table. The layout carries specific meaning. Using a table preserves the relationships within the information.

This is the caption. Similar to Alt text for images, the caption element should describe the table, provide context for the table, and make it easier to understand.
Name	Cups of Coffee	Type of Coffee	Sweetner Preference
Adams, Willie	2	regular	sugar
Bacon, Lise	4	regular	sugar substitute
Chaput, Maria	1	decaf	sugar
Di Nino, Consiglio	0	not applicable	not applicable
Eggleton, Art	6	regular	no sugar

Layout Table

This is a Layout Table. It is using the table element to control the placement of content. There is no specific meaning or relationship between the information that must be preserved. Table header and caption elements are not used.

Buy Coffee	Buy Coffee Machines	Buy Sweetner
Buy Cups	Buy Spoons	Buy Cream

WCAG 2 does not prohibit the use of layout tables, but CSS-based layouts are recommended instead.