How to Insert Bulleted or Numbered Lists in Google Sheets

Bullet points, while readily available in Docs and Slides, are unfortunately not a built-in option in Google Sheets and its toolbar. However, there are several ways around this limitation, allowing you to organize your cells like this:

Adding lists within one cell

Referencing the example above, these tutorials cover how you’d create the cell formatting in Row C (as opposed to Row A). Because these methods are not very scalable, we recommend using them for smaller lists (i.e. taking notes, inputting specific details).

Using Mac keyboard shortcuts to create lists

1. Select desired cell > Press Enter (or double-click).
2. Press Option + 8 to insert a standard bullet point (or enter item number) > Type your desired text.
3. Press Control + Enter to insert a line break.
4. Repeat steps 2-3 for your entire list.

Using PC keyboard shortcuts to create lists

1. Select desired cell > Press Enter (or double-click).
2. Press Alt + 7 (on number keypad) to insert a standard bullet point (or enter item number) > Type your desired text.
3. Press Alt + Enter to insert a line break.
4. Repeat steps 2-3 for your entire list.

Using Copy + Paste to create custom bulleted lists

1. Copy your desired bullet style: • ◘ ○ ◙ ‣ ⦾ ⦿ ☐ ✓ ✔ ✗ ✘ ☓ ☑ ☒ 
2. Select desired cell > Press Enter (or double-click).‍
3. Paste bullet > Type your desired text.
4. Press Alt + Enter to insert a line break.
5. Repeat steps 3-4 for your entire list.

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Adding bullets across multiple cells

These tutorials will cover how you’d create the cell formatting in Row A (as opposed to Row C). Unlike the previous section, these methods are good for formatting multiple cells in bulk!

Using CHAR to create lists

1. Select desired cell > Press Enter (or double-click).
2. Type in the formula =CHAR(8226)&“ ”&A1, A1 being your desired string cell reference, or =CHAR(8226)&“ ABC”, ABC being your desired string.

Using Custom Formats to create custom bulleted lists

1. Select desired column (or row).
2. Click More Formats button (icon of “123” with downward-facing arrow) in Toolbar > Hover over More Formats > Click Custom number formats. Alternatively, you can search “Custom number formats” in the Help bar.
3. Copy and paste your desired bullet format ( • ◘ ○ ◙ ‣ ⦾ ⦿ ☐ ✓ ✔ ✗ ✘ ☓ ☑ ☒ ) > Type in “ @” next to it (space included) > Press Apply.
   

4. All your current cells should now have a bullet point in front of it. Further, any cells in your previously selected column (or row) will now automatically have a bullet point once you add text.