RatedWithAI

RatedWithAI

Accessibility scanner

Free Scan

WCAG 2.1

3.2.3 Consistent Navigation

Level AA success criterion

Navigation mechanisms that appear on multiple pages should be presented in the same relative order each time.

Why it matters

Consistent navigation helps users predict where to find links and reduces cognitive load when moving between pages.

Common violations

  • Navigation items in different order on different pages
  • Footer links that vary by page
  • Sidebar navigation that changes position
  • Search boxes in inconsistent locations

Code examples

Bad

<!-- Page 1: Home | About | Contact -->
<!-- Page 2: Contact | Home | About -->

Good

<!-- All pages: Home | About | Contact -->

How to fix

Use shared navigation components across all pages. Keep menu items in the same order. New items can be added but existing order should remain.

Related criteria

3.2.4 Consistent Identification2.4.5 Multiple Ways2.4.1 Bypass Blocks

Related resources

WordPress accessibility guideShopify accessibility guideSquarespace accessibility guide

Test & fix this criterion

Use these free tools and guides to check and fix 3.2.3 Consistent Navigation violations:

Free accessibility checker — find WCAG violations automaticallyColor contrast checker — test contrast ratiosHow to fix common WCAG failuresTop 10 most common WCAG failures

Scan your site

Check your WCAG coverage in minutes

Start a free scan