Formula for a checkbox

Josh Osborn

Ok so what I am trying to do is put a formula in the background of a checkbox.

The purpose is the have the formula check a name in a cell, and then compare that value with a list on another sheet. At the moment I have that list typed one name per cell vertically however I would prefer to be able to put the list into a dropdown list to negate having to change the reference range.

If the formula finds a match then I want it to leave the checkbox unchecked, however if no match is found in the list then I want it to tick the checkbox.

If I can put the list in a drop down the I would prefer the formula to make the dropdown list reference absolute so that when the formula fills down it always references the same dropdown.

Paul Newcome

So you are trying to check a box on Sheet A if the name is not found on Sheet B? You shouldn't need dropdowns or anything.

The vertical list on Sheet B should be fine. When you create your cross sheet reference, make sure you are clicking on the column header in Sheet B so that you reference the entire column.

=IF(CONTAINS([Sheet A Name Column]@row, {Sheet B Name Column}), 0, 1)

BullandKhmer

OK, a few things here.

Natively, Smartsheet doesn't allow dropdowns to reference cells for the list. This is possible with a 3rd party app called DDUpdate which comes at a small cost. So if you need your dropdown to reference a live list this is the best option I know of.

Checkbox syntax is 1 for checked and 0 for unchecked. So you could write a formula to automate checking of boxes... you haven't given enough info but generally the formula would be:

=IF([whatever condition for checking the box],1,0)

Hope that helps.

Andrée Starå

Hi @Josh Osborn

I hope you're well and safe!

To add to BullandKhmer's excellent advice/answer.

Another Smartsheet option would be to use the Premium app, Data Shuttle to "sync" the dropdown lists.

Is that an option?

I hope that helps!

Be safe and have a fantastic week!

Best,

Andrée Starå | Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

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Paul Newcome

So you are trying to check a box on Sheet A if the name is not found on Sheet B? You shouldn't need dropdowns or anything.

The vertical list on Sheet B should be fine. When you create your cross sheet reference, make sure you are clicking on the column header in Sheet B so that you reference the entire column.

=IF(CONTAINS([Sheet A Name Column]@row, {Sheet B Name Column}), 0, 1)