# How do I add a checkbox in Google Sheets?

To add a checkbox in Google Sheets on a computer, select the cells and click Insert > Checkbox. Click a box to tick it. To use your own values, such as Yes and No, select the cells, click Data > Data validation, choose Checkbox under Criteria, click Use custom cell values, enter the values and click Save. ProfitDrawer's 12-tab bookkeeping spreadsheets use Yes or No dropdowns rather than checkboxes for Paid? and Business? columns.

**Insert checkboxes:**

1. Open the spreadsheet in Google Sheets.
2. Select the cells that should have checkboxes.
3. Click **Insert > Checkbox**.

**Custom checked and unchecked values:**

1. Select the cells with checkboxes.
2. Click **Data > Data validation**.
3. Next to **Criteria**, choose **Checkbox**.
4. Click **Use custom cell values**.
5. Next to **Checked**, enter a value, such as Yes. Optionally enter an **Unchecked** value, such as No.
6. Click **Save**.

**Remove checkboxes:** select them and press Delete.

Custom values are useful when formulas elsewhere look for a word. For example, a column of paid invoices with a checked value of Yes can feed `=SUMIF(F2:F500,"Yes",E2:E500)` to total what has been paid.

If you add checkboxes to an imported workbook, put them in an empty column so you do not overwrite a dropdown that its formulas rely on.

- Source: [Add and use checkboxes: Google Docs Editors Help](https://support.google.com/docs/answer/7684717)
- Updated: 2026-10-29
- Published: 2026-10-29
- Category: Google Sheets and Excel how-tos
- Canonical: https://profitdrawer.com/answers/how-do-i-add-a-checkbox-in-google-sheets.html
- Publisher: ProfitDrawer (https://profitdrawer.com)