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Writing Accessible Radio Button Labels

Writing Accessible Radio Button Labels records a distinct W3C-supported interface-content task while keeping implementation mechanics outside the writing guidance.

ReviewedEvidence1 sourceSectionWriting & Style
Quick answer

Give each radio button a concise option label that distinguishes that choice within its radio group.

Key details

Core IssueW3C APG says each radio element is labelled by its content, a visible label referenced by aria-labelledby, or a label supplied with aria-label.
Registerweb accessibility and interface content

Important caveats

Scope Boundary

This page covers individual radio-button labels; the label for the enclosing radio group remains a separate writing task.

Further guidance

Content

Write each option label so the individual choice is clear when read with the group’s purpose.

Purpose

Clear wording helps assistive-technology users understand the component or content in context without relying on implementation details.

Sources and evidence

Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.

  1. Radio Group Pattern — WAI-ARIA Authoring Practices Guide (opens in a new tab)World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) · W3C APG guidance for accessible names of radio buttons and the radio group that gives the choices shared context.

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