How to Create Checkmark in Excel (7 Methods)

Learn how to insert check marks, tick symbols, checkmark emojis and checkboxes in Excel. Step by step instructions for inserting interactive checkboxes, using keyboard shortcuts, creating dynamic checklists and check mark symbols without the Developer tab. 

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by Mihir Kamdar / Last Updated:

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What You'll Learn

Inserting check marks, tick symbols, checkmark emojis and checkboxes in Excel is crucial for data tracking and project management. This guide covers all methods to add check marks to your spreadsheets from simple symbols to interactive checkboxes and dynamic checklists. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced user you’ll find the solution for you.

  • 7 ways to insert check marks
  • How to create clickable checkboxes without the Developer tab
  • How to add tick marks using keyboard shortcuts and Alt codes
  • How to use checkmark emojis and symbols
  • How to build dynamic checklists and tracking systems with conditional formatting
  • How to troubleshoot common check mark issues
  • How to choose the right method for you
  • How to use character codes to insert check marks
  • How to use the char function to insert check marks

Download File

Download our step-by-step tutorial file now by clicking on the icon  download icon 1  below and follow along to enhance your Excel skills practically and efficiently!

Introduction

Adding professional check marks, tick symbols, checkmark emojis and checkboxes to your Excel spreadsheets is a problem many users face. Whether you’re tracking project tasks, managing inventory or creating interactive dashboards, being able to insert clear and visually appealing check marks can turn your basic spreadsheet into a powerful tracking tool. This guide will show you all the methods to insert check marks so your Excel documents are both functional and pretty.

1. Insert Check Marks Using Icon

The Insert tab method is Excel’s latest way to add check marks and symbols to your spreadsheets. This feature gives you access to scalable professional check mark symbols that will look good no matter the size or resolution. You can also insert a cross mark using the same method. Great for creating documents that look good on screen and in print.

Steps:

  1. Click the ‘Insert’ tab.
  2. Select ‘Icons’.
  3. In the search bar, type “check” or “tick”.
  4. Select your preferred check mark (e.g., ✓, ✔, ✅).
  5. Click ‘Insert’ to add the check mark to your spreadsheet.

Pro Tip:
These vector icons will stay sharp at any size, making them great for presentations and printed materials.

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2. Check Marks Using Symbol Library

The Symbol LibraryThe Symbol Library is a reliable feature in Excel that allows you to insert check mark symbols without increasing your file size. You can also insert a cross symbol using the Symbol Library. This method works on all Excel versions, so it is great for large spreadsheets where performance is important.

Steps to Insert Symbols:

  1. Select the cell where you want the check mark.
  2. Insert > Symbol.
  3. Select “Wingdings” or “Segoe UI Symbol” from the font dropdown.
  4. Select your desired check mark (e.g., ✓, ✔, ✅).
  5. Click ‘Insert’ and then ‘Close’.

 

Available Symbols:

  • Basic check mark
  • Heavy check mark
  • Boxed check mark
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3. Create Clickable Checkboxes using the Developer Tab

Clickable checkboxes turn static spreadsheets into dynamic forms and trackers. This method is great for creating interactive interfaces that users can interact with, perfect for task lists, project tracking, and data collection forms. Additionally, cross marks can also be used for tracking tasks, providing a visual representation of task completion and status.

Enable Developer Tab:

  1. Right-click the ribbon and select “Customize Ribbon”.
  2. Check the “Developer” option.
  3. Click ‘OK’ to enable the Developer tab.

 

Add Interactive Checkbox:

  1. Click the Developer tab.
  2. Insert > Checkbox (Form Control).
  3. Draw the checkbox in your spreadsheet.
  4. Right-click the checkbox and select Format Control.
  5. Link the checkbox to a specific cell for tracking.
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4. Add Checkboxes without Developer Tab

In many corporate environments the Developer tab is restricted. This method allows you to add interactive checkboxes without special permissions so great for shared workbooks and restricted environments. Additionally, cross symbols can also be added without the Developer tab, providing another useful option for marking data.

Quick Access Method:

  1. Right-click the ribbon and select “Customize Quick Access Toolbar”.
  2. Find and add “Check Box Form Control” to the toolbar.
  3. Use the added checkbox tool to insert checkboxes directly into your spreadsheet.
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5. How to Create Checklists in Excel

Turn basic spreadsheets into powerful tracking tools with checklists. This method combines check marks with formulas to create automated tracking systems, perfect for project management, task completion and performance monitoring. You can also count check marks and count tick marks to track task completion accurately.

Steps:

  1. Column Structure: Define columns for tasks and their status.
  2. Add Check Marks/Boxes: Insert check marks or checkboxes next to each task.
  3. Insert Status Formulas: Use formulas like =IF(A1=TRUE,”Completed”,”Pending”) to auto populate check marks based on task completion.
  4. Add Conditional Formatting: Apply conditional formatting to change cell colors based on status for better tracking.

Pro Tip: Use named ranges for easier formula management and readability.

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6. Keyboard Shortcuts for Quick Check Marks

Use keyboard shortcuts to speed up your workflow, perfect for data entry and repetitive tasks. These shortcuts save time especially when working with large datasets. You can also use character codes to insert check marks efficiently.

  • Alt + 0252: ✓
  • Alt + 0253: ✗
  • Alt + 251: √
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7. Auto Populate Check Marks with Conditional Formatting

Let your spreadsheet auto populate check marks based on data conditions. This is great for dashboards, status reports and performance tracking where visual indicators need to update automatically. Additionally, the char function can also be used to insert check marks with conditional formatting.

Steps:

  1. Select the range where you want the check marks.
  2. Conditional Formatting > New Rule.
  3. Choose “Use a formula to determine which cells to format”.
  4. Set your condition (e.g., =A1=TRUE).
  5. Choose a check mark symbol or change the cell color.
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Common Issues

Below are most common issues with check marks:

  • Check Marks Displaying as Different Symbols: Make sure you’re using the right font (e.g. Wingdings, Segoe UI Symbol) for check mark symbols.
    • Use the symbol dialog box to insert check marks correctly and avoid display issues.

  • Checkboxes not linking to cells: Check the cell link in the Format Control settings.
  • Conditional Formatting Issues: Check your conditional formatting rules.
  • Keyboard Shortcuts not working: Make sure Num Lock is on in Windows, and try alternative shortcuts if needed.
check mark common issues

How do I type ✔ in Excel?

The three easiest ways:

  1. Alt + 0252 (Windows)
  2. Insert > Symbol > Select check mark
  3. Copy and paste: ✔

How do I make ✅?

Two ways:

  1. Insert a regular check mark and color it green using conditional formatting.
  2. Insert > Icons > search “check” and select the green check mark emoji.

What is the alt code for ✔?

Alt codes:

  • Alt + 0252: ✓
  • Alt + 0253: ✗
  • Alt + 251: √

How do I Insert a check function in Excel?

Three ways:

  1. IF Formula: =IF(A1=TRUE,””)
  2. Conditional Formatting: Auto populate check marks based on cell values.
  3. Form Controls: Insert interactive checkboxes linked to cells.

Advanced Options with Check Marks

Sometimes the easiest way to insert a check mark or symbol is to copy and paste it into your Excel sheet. Similarly, a cross symbol or cross symbols can also be copied and pasted into Excel.

Check Mark Symbols:

  • ✔️
  • ☑️

How to Copy and Paste:

  1. Select the check mark symbol from a trusted source.
  2. Ctrl + C (Windows) or Command + C (Mac) to copy.
  3. Select the target cell in Excel and Ctrl + V or Command + V to paste.

For more advanced options try: count check marks and count tick marks as methods for tracking task completion.

Conditional Formatting with Icons:

  1. Select the range to format.
  2. Home > Conditional Formatting > Icon Sets.
  3. Select a set that has check marks and set the rules according to your criteria

Custom Formulas for Dynamic Check Marks

Use Excel formulas to display check marks based on certain conditions.

Example: =IF(B2=”Completed”, “✔️”, “✖️”)

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Conclusion

Inserting check marks, tick symbols and checkboxes in Excel makes your spreadsheet more functional and pretty. By following the methods and tips in this post you can create professional looking Excel documents that suits your needs. Whether you’re managing projects, tracking tasks or organizing data, you’ll be more productive and better at data management. The term ‘symbol in Excel’ includes check marks and other symbols used for tracking and data management.

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