Google Forms’ multiple choice vs checkboxes: What's the difference?

Google Forms’ multiple choice vs checkboxes: What's the difference?

Google Forms is a powerful tool for collecting information quickly and efficiently. But when it comes to choosing between multiple choice and checkbox questions, how do you decide what’s best? Let’s dive into the details.

Multiple choice questions in Google Forms

Multiple choice questions allow your respondents to select only one answer from a set of options. Each question provides several predetermined responses, but only one choice can be selected. They’re structured to simplify the decision-making process, reducing confusion and ensuring clear answers.

Here’s an example.

Google Forms Multiple choice Question

Checkboxes in Google Forms

Checkboxes enable respondents to select multiple answers from the options you provide, offering greater flexibility. This structure is ideal when more than one response is appropriate or encouraged.

Here’s what a checkbox question could look like.

Google Forms Checkbox Question

Checkboxes vs multiple choice in Google Forms: How do they differ?

Let’s compare these two question types side by side for a deeper dive.

FeatureMultiple choiceCheckboxes
Selection limitOnly one choice allowedMultiple choices allowed
Best forClear, distinct answersSituations requiring multiple responses
User interactionSimple, quicker to completeMore comprehensive, slightly more complex
Data collection goalSpecific, exclusive responsesBroader insights from multiple selections
Use casesSurveys, quizzes, demographic dataProduct feedback, preferences, hobbies
LimitationsLess flexible, restricted insightsPotentially complex data analysis

Pro Tip

For more detailed examples, check out Jotform’s blog posts on multiple choice grids and checkbox grids.

Go beyond Google Forms with Jotform

Want to expand your options even further? Jotform makes creating checkbox grids and multiple-choice grids easier with its intuitive input table feature. Unlike Google Forms, Jotform’s input tables allow you to combine various field types for greater flexibility and a better experience for both you and your respondents.

  • Checkbox grid: Easily gather multiple responses in a visually appealing grid format.
Jotform Checkbox Grid Field
  • Multiple-choice grid: Clearly present options in a neat, organized table.
Jotform Multiple Choice Grid

With Jotform’s input table feature and multi-type column options, customization is simple and efficient. The powerful form builder also offers diverse design choices and field types to create forms tailored specifically to your needs.

Looking for a great alternative to Google Forms? Jotform provides robust features and unparalleled flexibility to ensure you gather precise, actionable data effortlessly.

This article is ideal for educators, marketers, HR professionals, and anyone who regularly builds forms or surveys and needs clarity on using multiple choice vs checkbox questions in their forms.

AUTHOR
Jotform's Editorial Team is a group of dedicated professionals committed to providing valuable insights and practical tips to Jotform blog readers. Our team's expertise spans a wide range of topics, from industry-specific subjects like managing summer camps and educational institutions to essential skills in surveys, data collection methods, and document management. We also provide curated recommendations on the best software tools and resources to help streamline your workflow.

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