How to Add Bullet Points in Google Sheets
While a simple click option is available to insert a bullet in Google Docs, there is no easy way to insert bullets in Google Sheets.
The reason could be that the need for bullet points is less in Google Sheets. But if you are one of those who want a bulleted list, there are some ways you can insert bullets in Google Sheets.
In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to insert bullet points in Google Sheets:
- Using a Keyboard Shortcut
- Using the CHAR Function
- Using the Copy-Paste Method
Keyboard Shortcut to Insert Bullet Points in Google Sheet
Here are the steps for Google spreadsheet bullet points:
- Select a cell in which you want to insert the bullet point.
- Get into the edit mode (by pressing the F2 key, or by double-clicking on the cell).
- Hold the ALT key and press the number 7 on the numeric keypad.
This would instantly insert a bullet in the cell in Google Sheets.
Note: You can also use ALT + 0405 instead of 7 if you want to.
If you want to insert multiple bullets in different lines in the same cell, press Alt + Enter to go to a new line in the same cell. Now again, hold the ALT key and press the number 7 on the number keypad. You need to have NumLock turned on for this bullet point Google Sheets method.
The macOS Keyboard Shotcut for Bullet Points
The same process for MacBook would use the following steps:
- Double click on the cell or press enter.
- Click Option+8 to insert a bullet point.
How to Add Bullets in Google Sheets Using the CHAR Function
Another neat way to add a bullet point in Google Sheets is to use the CHAR function. Bullets have the specific Unicode number that can be used within the CHAR function to get a bullet.
Here are the steps:
- Enter the following function in the cell in which you want to insert the bullet.
=CHAR(8226) - Hit Enter.
This would instantly insert a bullet in the cell.
You can also construct formulas to automatically get a bulleted list. For example, suppose you have a grocery list as shown below:
To get a bulleted list using this list:
- Enter the following formula in cell B1:
=CHAR(8226)&” “&A1 - Copy paste for all the cells.
The CHAR part of the formula returns the bullet and then adds the item name in front of it.
Another way to use these bullets is to simply copy and paste the cell as values (and get rid of the CHAR function while retaining the bullet in the cell). Now you can copy paste and use it wherever you want.
For more tips like this, check out our article on Google sheets tips and tricks.
Adding Google Sheets Bullet Points Inside a Cell By Copy Pasting
One of the easiest and most straightforward ways to insert Google Sheets bullet points is to copy and paste it from a website or other applications (such as Google Docs, MS Word, PowerPoint, etc.).
For example, below are a variety of bullets that you can simply copy and paste in cells in Google Sheets.
• ○ ► ✓
How to Customize Your Bullet Points
Now you know how to add bullet points in a Google spreadsheet. But sometimes, you might want a different bullet point style than a dot, a triangle, or a tick. In that case, the easiest way to customize bullet points is to use the copy paste method.
You can also create custom bullet lists using Custom Formats:
- Select the cell, row or column for your bullet list.
- Click on the down arrow Format in the toolbar.
- Hover the mouse over 123 format.
- Click custom number formats.
- You can also use the search bar to search for custom number formats.
- Copy and paste the bullet point style you want and an @ after
- Click Apply.
- Any cell that was selected will now have a bullet point once you add texts in it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still a bit lost on how to insert bullets in Google Sheets? Perhaps these FAQs will help.
Can You Make Bullet Points in Google Sheets?
Yes, you can make bullet points in Google Sheets. The simplest way is to use the keyboard shortcut of ALT + 7. You must first make sure you’re in edit mode by double-clicking the cell.
How Do I Create a List Within a Cell in Google Sheets?
Adding line breaks after a bullet point is a good way to create a bullet list in Google Sheets. After every item in the list simply use the shortcut Control+Enter. To add line breaks. On MacBook, use the shortcut Command + Enter.
You can add bullet points to the start of each item by using the keyboard shortcut ALT + 7 or Option + 8 on a macOS system.
If your list is too long, you can use text wrap to fit them in the cell after adding bullets in Google Sheets.
Final Thoughts on Google Sheet Bullet Points
Adding bullet points is a pretty simple process as you can see. Whether you decide to copy paste,use the CHAR function or use keyboard shortcuts, we hope this article was a helpful guide on how to add bullet points in Google Sheets.
Want to become a Google Sheets expert? We highly recommend checking out Udemy’s Google Sheets Comprehensive Masterclass and the Complete Google Sheets Course.
Sumit is a Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel Expert. He provides spreadsheet training to corporates and has been awarded the prestigious Excel MVP award by Microsoft for his contributions in sharing his Excel knowledge and helping people.
11 thoughts on “3 Simple Ways to Add Bullet Points in Google Sheets”
Alt + Fn + 7 for bullets
Alt + Fn + 3 for hearts
Alt + Fn + 1 for smiley
….. all numbers has it’s corresponding logo ☺️ You’re welcome
Come on folks we need to figure this out!!! @google HELP
Better way: Use emojis 😀
alt + shift + 9 works on my macbook
did not work. any other suggestions besides copy/paste (lame)
You can also try other methods shown in this tutorials. Did you try holding the ALT key and then using the 7 key. You can also use the CHAR function
Did not work; ALT 7 does nothing. #CHAR gives a bullet, but doesn’t let you write anything after that….
It’s because you’re probably using the number 7 key at the top of your keyboard. Alt 7 ONLY works if you use the number 7 key on the numberpad on the right side of the keyboard.
I don’t have that
Same issue 🙁
Comments are closed.