Create a Compelling Checklist Template in Google Sheets

Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed by your growing to-do list? Do you struggle to keep track of your projects and ensure nothing falls through the cracks? Look no further! In this article, I’ll show you how to create a checklist template in Google Sheets that will revolutionize your organizational game. With the power of checkboxes, conditional formatting, and a nifty progress bar, you’ll be able to stay on top of your tasks and projects like never before.

Why Use a Checklist Template?

Checklists are incredibly versatile and can be useful in a variety of situations. Whether you need a simple task list, project planner, teaching tool, or asset tracker, a checklist can provide you with a quick and easy way to add an element of utility to your spreadsheet projects. Imagine having a visual indicator of progress during a live workshop or keeping track of your progress on a big project. Checklists are a powerful tool that can help you stay organized and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.

How to Create a Checklist Template in Google Sheets

Let’s dive right into creating your very own checklist template in Google Sheets.

Checklist Template

Feel free to download the checklist template and make your own copy. It’s completely customizable to suit your needs. Simply navigate to File > Make a Copy to get started.

Now, let’s set up the sheet.

1. Start by giving your checklist a title in the center of the first row.
2. Leave a blank line.
3. In cell A3, write “Progression.” Leave the other column blank for now.
4. Leave the fourth row empty.
5. In row 5, add the table headers: “Status” and “Step.”
6. Starting from row 6, add a checkbox in column A and the corresponding step in column B for each line.

To add a checkbox, go to Insert > Checkbox.

Add Conditional Formatting

Now, let’s apply some conditional formatting to the entire row so that it turns red when the checkbox is checked.

1. Select all the rows with checkboxes and steps, for example, from A6 to C15.
2. Apply conditional formatting and add this custom formula: =ISTEXT(A6:A)
3. Set the formatting rules to have a light red background, dark red text, and strikethrough.

Now, whenever you check a checkbox, the entire row will turn red to indicate completion.

Additionally, let’s add some visual flair to the table.

Create an Alternate Row Color Scheme

1. Go to Format > Alternating Colors and select a nice color scheme for your table.

This will make your checklist visually appealing and easy to read.

Use a Progress Bar to Track Completion

The progress bar adds a dynamic visual element to your checklist, showing you at a glance how much progress you’ve made.

Here’s the formula for the progress bar in cell B3:

=SPARKLINE(MIN(MIN(IF(A6:A=TRUE,ROW(A6:A)))),A6:A=TRUE,"bar",MIN(MIN(IF(A6:A=TRUE,ROW(A6:A)))),"red")

Let’s break it down.

1. Count the number of checked checkboxes using the COUNTIF function.
2. Pass that value to the MIN function.
3. Set the chart type as a bar.
4. Specify the maximum value for the progress bar. In this example, it’s 10, but you can adjust it to match the number of steps in your checklist using a formula.
5. Choose a custom color for the progress bar.

Now, you have a dynamic progress bar that updates as you check off items on your checklist.

Add a Progress Percentage

To display the actual completion percentage, use the following formula in cell C3:

=COUNTIF(A6:A, TRUE) / COUNTA(C6:C) & "%"

This formula counts the checked checkboxes in column A and divides it by the total number of steps in column B. Format the cell as a percentage, and voila! You have a live progress update.

Now that you know how to create a checklist template in Google Sheets, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish. Stay organized, track progress, and conquer your tasks with ease. Happy checklisting!

For more tips and tricks on Google Sheets, visit Crawlan.com.