> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ngsurvey.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ngsurvey.com/projects/import-export/xlsform/choices-sheet.md).

# Choices Sheet

The choices sheet is where you define the options shown in `select_one` and `select_multiple` questions from the survey sheet. Each group of options is part of a list, identified by the `list_name` column.

## ☑️ Required columns

* list\_name – The name of the choice list (used in the survey sheet).
* name – The internal code for the choice (used in saved data and calculations).
* label – The text shown to users for each option.

## 🔘️ Optional columns

You can include the following optional columns to enhance how choices behave:

rating\
Use this column to assign a score or value to each choice. Helpful for scoring or calculations based on the selected option.

type\
Used to mark a choice as special. For example, if set to `other`, the form will allow the user to enter a custom answer when that option is selected. If left blank, the choice behaves like a normal option.

hint\
You can provide additional guidance for each choice. These hints appear as helper text next to the option. This is useful when options might need clarification.

You can also use multilingual versions like `hint::French (fr-FR)` or `hint::Spanish (es)`.

#### Example: choices with rating, choice\_type, and hint

| list\_name | name  | label | hint                       | rating | type  |
| ---------- | ----- | ----- | -------------------------- | ------ | ----- |
| feedback   | good  | Good  | Very satisfied             | 3      |       |
| feedback   | okay  | Okay  | Somewhat satisfied         | 2      |       |
| feedback   | bad   | Bad   | Not satisfied              | 1      |       |
| feedback   | other | Other | Please specify your answer |        | other |

***

## 🔗 How it connects to the survey sheet

In your survey sheet, you'd reference this list like this:

| type                 | name           | label                           |
| -------------------- | -------------- | ------------------------------- |
| select\_one feedback | user\_feedback | How would you rate our service? |

This setup will:

* Show four choices to the user.
* Use the hints to help users understand each option.
* Allow the user to enter a custom value if they select "Other".
* Allow you to use the `rating` values in calculations or analysis.


---

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