Writing Accessible Spinbutton Labels
Writing Accessible Spinbutton Labels records a distinct W3C-supported interface-content task while keeping implementation mechanics outside the writing guidance.
Label a spinbutton with the quantity or setting it changes, and communicate its current value separately.
Key details
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
This page covers spinbutton-label wording; range limits, keyboard behavior, validation, and aria-valuetext mechanics remain implementation concerns.
Further guidance
Content
Write the spinbutton label to identify the quantity or setting being changed, such as quantity, day, or hour, without folding the current value into the control name.
Practical Application
Name the quantity or setting the spinbutton changes and keep that name stable as the value changes; do not pack the current number into the label itself.
Purpose
A stable control name helps users understand what the spinbutton changes while value semantics communicate its current setting.
Reader Check
Would the label still be correct after the user increases or decreases the value?
Worked Example
Example: Use the stable label “Number of guests” and expose “3” as the current value, rather than naming the control “3 guests.”
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.
- Spinbutton Pattern — WAI-ARIA Authoring Practices Guide (opens in a new tab)World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) · W3C APG guidance for accessible naming of spinbutton controls and separate value text when needed.