Writing & StyleStyle guide

Writing Accessible Spinbutton Value Text

Writing Accessible Spinbutton Value Text records a distinct W3C-supported interface-content task while keeping implementation mechanics outside the writing guidance.

Quick answer

When the raw numeric value is not understandable on its own, write spinbutton value text that expresses the user-facing value, such as a named month or weekday.

Key details

Core IssueW3C APG says aria-valuetext is used when a spinbutton’s numeric aria-valuenow value is not user-friendly, with the text making the value understandable.
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Important caveats

Scope Boundary

This page covers value text for a spinbutton; its control label and its min/max constraints are separate concerns.

Further guidance

Content

Use user-facing words for the current value when a raw number would not communicate what the value means.

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. 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.

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