WCAG Guideline 2.4.6: Headings and Labels Explained
Estimated read time: 6–7 minutes
Guideline 2: Operable
The Operable principle ensures that all users can interact with and control web content, regardless of their abilities. This includes making your site easier to scan and understand with clear headings and labels.
Guideline 2.4: Navigable
Guideline 2.4 focuses on making it easier for users to navigate, find content, and determine where they are. Headings and Labels is about providing descriptive, meaningful structure.
What Is Guideline 2.4.6 Headings and Labels?
"Headings and labels describe topic or purpose."
Guideline 2.4.6 Headings and Labels is a Level AA requirement in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) .
- Headings and labels must be descriptive and meaningful.
- Applies to page headings, section titles, and form field labels.
- Helps users scan, understand, and navigate content efficiently.
This ensures all headings and labels are clear and meaningful, supporting navigation and comprehension for all users.
For more, see Why Using Correct Headlines is Vital to Your Website (BrandExtract) .
Why Does It Matter?
- Inclusivity: Clear headings and labels help users with screen readers and cognitive disabilities.
- Legal Compliance: Headings and Labels is a Level AA requirement in WCAG 2.1 and 2.2.
- Usability: Improves comprehension and navigation for all users.
For more, see W3C’s guidance on headings and labels .
What Needs Clear Headings and Labels?
- Forms and input fields
- Page sections and navigation
- Any content that benefits from a heading or label
All must have descriptive headings and labels.
How to Make Headings and Labels Accessible
- Use descriptive headings and labels
- Place important information first
- Document heading and label conventions
- Test with users who rely on headings and labels
For more, see the W3C's Headings and Labels Techniques .
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Vague or missing headings and labels
- Headings and labels that don't describe topic or purpose
- Not documenting heading and label conventions
- Not testing with users who rely on headings and labels
Differences Between A, AA, and AAA for Guideline 2.4.6 in WCAG 2.2
- Level A: Not applicable for this guideline.
- Level AA: Requires headings and labels describe topic or purpose. This is the core requirement for 2.4.6 and is mandatory for AA accessibility.
- Level AAA: For Guideline 2.4.6, there are no additional requirements beyond Level AA in WCAG 2.2. Meeting Level AA for this guideline also satisfies Level AAA.
For more, see the W3C’s official documentation for 2.4.6 Headings and Labels .
Quick Checklist
- All headings and labels are descriptive
- Important information is first
- Heading and label conventions are documented
- Tested with users who rely on headings and labels
Summary
Guideline 2.4.6 is essential for helping users understand and navigate your site. By providing clear headings and labels, you support users with disabilities, improve usability, and meet legal requirements. Test your site regularly and make headings and labels a core part of your development process.