2.4.6 Headings and Labels

What this criterion requires

Headings and labels must describe the topic or purpose of what they head or label.

Who it helps

Screen reader users navigating by headings; people with cognitive disabilities scanning for orientation.

Example: fails vs passes

<h2>More</h2> ... <label>Info</label>

<h2>Delivery options</h2> ... <label for="tel">Phone number for delivery updates</label>

Headings and labels must describe their content - screen reader users navigate by them.

How to meet and fix it

• Make each heading say what its section contains
• Label fields with what to enter ("Work email"), not vague words ("Info")

Common failures auditors find

• Decorative or clever headings that describe nothing
• A column of fields labelled only by a group heading

Automated scanning catches a share of these instantly - run a free check - and a manual audit covers the judgement calls a tool cannot make.

Last updated 12 August 2026. Reviewed by the EqualWeb accessibility team.