On a computer, select the cell or range where you want checkboxes, then choose Insert > Checkbox. On Android, select the cells and use More > Data validation, then choose Checkbox under Criteria. On iPhone or iPad, Google says to add checkboxes on a computer first; you can then check or uncheck them in the app.
Create checkboxes on a computer
- Open the spreadsheet in Google Sheets.
- Select the cell or range where you want the checkboxes.
- Choose Insert > Checkbox from the top menu. Each selected cell gets a clickable checkbox. Google’s computer instructions also describe removing checkboxes: select the cells and press Delete.
Create checkboxes on Android
- Open the spreadsheet in the Google Sheets app and select the target cell or range.
- Tap More > Data validation.
- Under Criteria, tap Checkbox. Google’s Android instructions document this app workflow.
Use checkboxes on iPhone or iPad
Google’s iPhone and iPad instructions say to create the checkboxes on a computer first. Once they are in the sheet, you can check or uncheck them from the iOS app.
Set custom checked and unchecked values
By default, a checkbox supplies a Boolean value for formulas: an unchecked box is FALSE and a checked box is TRUE. Google says you can see and change the value in the formula bar; its Sheets productivity tips explain the default values. If you configure custom values, formulas should use those values instead of assuming TRUE and FALSE.
- On a computer, select the checkbox cells.
- Choose Data > Data validation.
- Set Criteria to Checkbox.
- Enable Use custom cell values, enter the value for checked, and optionally enter a value for unchecked.
- Save the rule. Google’s example uses
YesandNoas the two values.
See Google’s checkbox guide for the custom-values option and its setup.
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Toggle a checkbox with a keyboard
For keyboard and screen-reader use, focus the checkbox cell and press Spacebar to toggle it. Google documents this in its screen-reader guide for Sheets.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Use checkbox values in a sheet
Checkboxes can do more than mark a task complete: Google says they can be used with charts, filters, pivot tables, and functions. For example, a formula can test the checkbox value to drive another calculation. If the cells use custom values, write formulas for the values you chose rather than the default Boolean values. Google’s guide lists these supported uses.
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