How to add a checkmark in Google Sheets

You can watch a video tutorial here.

In Google Sheets, the checkmark or tick mark symbol is not readily available on the toolbar of the menu. You may be responding to a questionnaire where you are required to tick one of the options. While you can copy and paste the image of a checkmark, this can pose problems when the cell is resized or copied. A simpler and more durable way is to use the CHAR() function. This function accepts a Unicode number and displays the corresponding character. Both methods are described here.

Note: The Unicode standard has a unique number for every character (numbers, letters, punctuation, symbols, etc.). This number is common across all platforms and software languages. The Unicode number used in Google Sheets will display the same character when used in Excel.

Option 1

Step 1 – Use the CHAR() function with the Unicode number

• In the destination cell type the formula using the cell references:

=CHAR(10003)

• Press Enter
• The checkmark is displayed

Note: 10003 is the Unicode number for one type of checkmark. You can use any of the many resources on the internet to find Unicode numbers for other characters.

Option 2 – Copy the image from Google Docs

Step 1 – Go to the Special characters option in Google Docs

• In Google Docs, create a blank document
• Go to Insert > Special characters 

Step 2 – Insert the image

• Search for the checkmark images by typing ‘check’ in the Search box
• Select any one of the images that are displayed
• The image is inserted in the Google document

Step 3 – Copy the image

• Select the image in the Google doc and right-click and select Copy from the context menu or press Ctrl+C

Step 4- Paste the image into Google sheets

• Select the cell in which you want the checkmark to appear
• Press Ctrl+V or right-click and select Paste from the context menu