Stop Confusing Grids with Tables! Here’s What You Need to Know


Tables and grids can both look like rows and columns, but they behave very differently, especially when interactive widgets (like buttons, checkboxes, or dropdowns) are involved.

 

Tables Are Not Widgets

A table is meant to present information — like text, numbers, or static content. But sometimes it is observed that, tables include interactive widgets inside them, such as:

  • A checkbox in each row to select items
  • A dropdown to change status
  • A button to take action

In such cases:

  • Each widget becomes a separate tab stop in the keyboard tab order.
  • This makes the tab sequence very long for keyboard users, especially screen reader users.

Example: If a table has 50 rows, each with a checkbox, the user has to press Tab 50 times just to skip through checkboxes.

 

Grids as Composite Widgets

A grid is considered a composite widget — meaning it is one large interactive component that contains many smaller interactive elements inside.

When implemented properly:

  • The whole grid is treated as a single tab stop
  • Once the user enters the grid, they can use arrow keys to navigate between rows and columns
  • Interaction (like pressing Enter to edit) can be handled within the grid

This makes the experience much more efficient, especially for users relying on keyboard or screen readers.

 

Then, When Should We Use a Table?

Use a table when:

  • The primary purpose is to present data, not interact with it
  • The content is static or read-only
  • There are only a few interactive elements inside (if any)
  • You want users to focus on reading and comparing information, not navigating complex interactions

Tables are perfect for reports, data summaries, price lists, or schedules — where the goal is to read, scan, or sort data.

 

Key Differences Between a Grid and Table

Feature

Table

Grid

Tab Key Navigation

Every widget is a separate tab stop

Only the grid is a tab stop

Arrow Key Support

Not supported by default

Supported within the grid

Accessibility Role

No special widget role

Uses role="grid" and related roles

Best Use Case

Mostly static data, light interaction

Heavy interaction, many widgets

 

In Brief:

A table is best when you want users to read data.
A grid is better when users need to interact with the data.

  

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