Design a Visual To-Do List in Excel

Turn a simple to do list into a live, auto updating progress system in Excel.

February 17, 2026

Today, we’re focusing on building a dynamic to-do list in Excel, a simple yet effective setup that updates automatically as tasks are checked off. If you already use Excel for basic task lists, this will help you take it one step further with visual progress tracking.

Without further ado, let’s dive in and learn how to create an interactive to-do list in Excel that keeps everything clean, clear, and easy to manage.

The process is as follows,

Start with a spreadsheet at Glide

There's software hiding in your spreadsheet. You just can't see it yet. Every row, every column, every formula… It's all a description of how your business actually runs. You built it without thinking about it. Added to it over time.

Now it holds the shape of your work. The processes are already mapped out. Glide takes what you've built and gives it a new form. Something your whole team can use effectively.

Isn't it time for your spreadsheet to become software?

Step 1: Set Up Your Data

Step 2: Add Checkboxes

Step 3: Add a Dynamic Text Box for Progress Display

  • Select the task list cells

  • Go to Conditional Formatting → New Rule → Use a formula

  • In the formula box, select the checkbox first cell (=$J3)

  • Press F4 twice to make it an absolute

Step 4: Apply Conditional Formatting to the Task List

Step 5: Calculate Task Progress Automatically

Formula used here :

=COUNTIF(J12:J21,TRUE)
=COUNTIF(J12:J21,FALSE)
=COUNTIF(J12:J21,TRUE)/COUNTA(J12:J21)

Your To-Do List Is Ready.

That’s how you can build a dynamic to-do list in Excel that updates automatically as tasks are completed. With checkboxes, formulas, and simple formatting, your progress stays accurate without manual updates, making it easier to stay focused and organized.

This setup works perfectly for daily tasks, weekly planning, project checklists, habit tracking, or any workflow where you want a clear, visual snapshot of what’s done and what’s left.

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