How to Link Multiple Checkboxes in Excel (3 Easy Methods)

 

Method 1 – Using a Formula with a Cell Reference

We have to prepare a dataset containing different tasks as shown below.

Using Formula with Cell Reference

Steps:

  • Go to the Developer tab and select Insert.
  • Select the Checkbox icon from the Form Controls field.

How to Link Multiple Checkboxes in Excel

  • Put the cursor in the cell where you want to insert the checkbox. The cursor will change into a plus (+) sign.

  • Click on the cell and a checkbox will appear.

How to Link Multiple Checkboxes in Excel

  • Press Ctrl and select the checkbox.
  • Right-click on the mouse to open the Control Menu.
  • Select Edit Text from there.

How to Link Multiple Checkboxes in Excel

  • Select the text with the mouse and press the Backspace key on the keyboard.

  • Drag the Fill Handle icon to copy the checkbox and fill the other cells with checkboxes.

How to Link Multiple Checkboxes in Excel

  • Press Ctrl and select the first checkbox.
  • Go to the Formula Bar and type ‘=’.
  • Select cell C5.

  • Press Enter to link the first checkbox to cell C5.
  • The C5 cell is linked with the checkbox located at the D5. If you check the box, you’ll see TRUE in C5.

How to Link Multiple Checkboxes in Excel

  • Repeat the procedures for other checkboxes.
  • You will be able to link multiple checkboxes in Excel. You can tick the box and set the adjacent value to TRUE or FALSE.

How to Link Multiple Checkboxes in Excel


Method 2 – Using Format Control to Link Multiple Checkboxes

Steps:

  • Go to the Developer tab and select Insert.
  • Select the Checkbox icon from the Form Controls field.

Using Format Control to Link Multiple Checkboxes

  • Put the cursor in the cell where you want to insert the checkbox. The cursor will change into a plus (+) sign.

How to Link Multiple Checkboxes in Excel

  • Click on the cell and a checkbox will appear.

  • Press Ctrl and select the checkbox.
  • Right-click on the mouse to open the Control Menu.
  • Select Edit Text.

How to Link Multiple Checkboxes in Excel

  • Select the text with the mouse and press the Backspace key on the keyboard.

  • Drag the Fill Handle icon to copy the checkbox and fill the other cells with checkboxes.
  • You will get the following checkboxes.

How to Link Multiple Checkboxes in Excel

  • Right-click over the checkbox and choose the Format Control option from the Context Menu.

  • Type or select the cell ($C$5) in the space of the Cell Link option from the Control tab where you want to make a link with the checkbox.
  • The default value of Checked is TRUE, and FALSE is for Unchecked.
  • Click on OK.

How to Link Multiple Checkboxes in Excel

  • The C5 cell is linked with the checkbox located at the D5 cell. If you check the box, you’ll see TRUE in C5.

  • Repeat the procedures for other checkboxes.
  • You can tick the box and set the adjacent value to TRUE or FALSE.

How to Link Multiple Checkboxes in Excel


Method 3 – Embedding VBA Code to Link Multiple Checkboxes in Excel

Steps:

  • Go to the Developer tab and select Insert.
  • Select the Checkbox icon from the Form Controls field.

Embedding VBA Code to Link Multiple Checkboxes in Excel

  • Put the cursor in the cell where you want to insert the checkbox. The cursor will change into a plus (+) sign.

How to Link Multiple Checkboxes in Excel

  • Click on the cell and a checkbox will appear.

  • Press Ctrl and select the checkbox.
  • Right-click on the mouse to open the Control Menu.
  • Select Edit Text from there.

How to Link Multiple Checkboxes in Excel

  • Select the text with the mouse and press the Backspace key on the keyboard.

  • Drag the Fill Handle icon to copy the checkbox and fill the other cells with checkboxes.
  • You will get the following checkboxes.

How to Link Multiple Checkboxes in Excel

  • In the VBA window, go to Insert and select Module.

  • Insert the following code:
Sub Link_Check_Boxes_to_Cells()
Dim icheck As CheckBox
Dim xcol As Long
xcol = -1
For Each icheck In ActiveSheet.CheckBoxes
  With icheck
    .LinkedCell = _
    .TopLeftCell.Offset(0, xcol).Address
  End With
Next icheck
End Sub
  • Close the Visual Basic window and press Alt + F8.
  • When the Macro dialogue box opens, select Link_Check_Boxes_to_Cells in the Macro name.
  • Click on Run.

How to Link Multiple Checkboxes in Excel

  • You can tick the box and set the adjacent value to TRUE or FALSE.

How to Link Multiple Checkboxes in Excel


Things to Remember

When adding a checkbox to a worksheet or linking multiple checkboxes, we need to keep certain things in mind.

✎ To insert checkboxes in your worksheet, you must enable the Developer tab.

✎ When we have dragged the Fill Handle down to add the checkboxes. In this case, double-clicking on the Fill Handle will not work.

✎ To delete a checkbox, you need to put the cursor on the checkbox and right-click, and then, press Delete from the keyboard.


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Saquib Ahmad Shuvo
Saquib Ahmad Shuvo

Saquib Ahmad Bhuiyan, holding a BSc degree in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, skillfully integrates engineering expertise with a passion for Excel. He provides solutions to complex issues as an Excel & VBA Content Developer for ExcelDemy Forum. He demonstrates an enthusiastic mindset and adeptness in managing critical situations with finesse, showcasing his commitment to excellence. Apart from creating Excel tutorials, he is interested in Data Analysis with MS Excel, Rhinoceros,... Read Full Bio

4 Comments
  1. I would like to link a check box directly to another checkbox with no cell reference at all. If I check a box, then a linked check box will check as well… or uncheck.

    • Reply Lutfor Rahman Shimanto
      Lutfor Rahman Shimanto Feb 4, 2024 at 5:04 PM

      Hello ARONN

      Thanks for reaching out and sharing your requirements. You want to link a checkbox directly to another one with no cell reference.

      I am delighted to inform you that I have developed an Excel Event Procedure that will fulfil your goal.

      Output Overview:

      If you check the first box, a linked check box (second check box) will also be checked or vice versa.

      Follow these steps:

      1. Insert two checkboxes from ActiveX Control.

      2. Go to the sheet module, insert the following code, and Save.

      
      Private Sub CheckBox1_Change()
      
          If CheckBox1.Value = True Then
              CheckBox2.Value = True
          Else
              CheckBox2.Value = False
          End If
      
      End Sub
      

      Hopefully, the idea will help you. I have attached the solution workbook for better understanding. Good luck.

      SOLUTOIN WORKBOOK

      Regards
      Lutfor Rahman Shimanto
      Excel & VBA Developer
      ExcelDemy

      • I would like to link a check box directly to same cell where the check box is present.

        • Lutfor Rahman Shimanto
          Lutfor Rahman Shimanto Jun 19, 2024 at 11:10 AM

          Hello Shaz

          Thanks for your question! You want to link checkboxes directly to the same cells where these are presented.

          To do so, insert a check box and edit the text like described here. Next, select the checkbox by holding the Ctrl key. Now, type the cell reference in the formula bar where the checkbox is located. Please check the following:

          You can download the workbook used to solve your problem: https://www.exceldemy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Shaz-SOLVED.xlsx

          Regards
          Lutfor Rahman Shimanto
          ExcelDemy

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