How to add a comment in Google Sheets
Learn how to add, tag, reply to, and resolve comments in Google Sheets to give feedback without changing cell data.
Quick answer
Select the cell where you want to leave feedback, then click Insert in the menu bar and choose Comment, or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Alt+M (Cmd+Option+M on Mac). Type your note in the comment box, use @ to tag a collaborator by email, then click Comment to save it.
Steps at a glance
- Select the cell or range you want to discuss
- Click Insert in the menu bar, then choose Comment
- Type your feedback or question in the box
- Type @ plus an email to tag a collaborator
- Click the blue Comment button to post it
- Reply, edit, or click the checkmark to resolve
Summary
Comments in Google Sheets let you attach feedback, questions, or assigned tasks to a specific cell without altering the underlying data. Unlike notes, comments support threaded replies, @mentions, and email notifications, making them the go-to tool for reviewing shared spreadsheets with a team.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1
Select the cell you want to comment on
Click the specific cell, or highlight a range of cells, that your feedback relates to. Comments attach to the exact location you select, so anyone opening the sheet later sees the note next to the relevant data.
Step 2
Open the comment box
Click Insert in the top menu bar and select Comment, or right-click the cell and choose Comment from the context menu. You can also use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Alt+M on Windows or Cmd+Option+M on Mac to open the box instantly.
Step 3
Type your comment
Enter your feedback, question, or note in the text box that appears. Keep it specific to the cell's content so collaborators immediately understand what you're referring to.
Step 4
Tag a collaborator with @mention
Type @ followed by a name or email address to notify a specific person and optionally assign them an action item. This only works if that person already has access to the file, so check /guides/google-sheets/share-edit-access if you need to add someone first.
Step 5
Post the comment
Click the blue Comment button to save your note. The cell now displays a small colored marker in the top-right corner, indicating an active comment thread.
Step 6
Reply to or resolve a comment
Click the colored marker on any cell to reopen the thread. Type a reply and press Enter, or click Resolve to close the discussion once the issue is addressed — resolved comments stay archived but hidden from the main view.
Step 7
Review all comments in one place
Click the comment icon (speech bubble) near the top-right toolbar, next to the share button, to open a panel listing every comment in the spreadsheet. This is useful for tracking open questions across a large sheet before finalizing edits, such as one built with a pivot table.
Why this matters
You're reviewing a budget or project tracker someone shared with you and spot a number that looks off. Instead of editing it directly or messaging separately, you add a comment right on the cell so the owner sees exactly what you're questioning and can respond in place.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a comment and a note in Google Sheets?
A note is a static text box meant for private reminders and doesn't notify anyone. A comment supports replies, @mentions, email alerts, and can be marked resolved, making it the better choice for team discussions.
Can I add a comment without editing access to the sheet?
Yes, if the owner has given you Commenter permission. This lets you leave and reply to comments without being able to change any cell values or formatting.
How do I delete a comment I no longer need?
Click the comment marker on the cell, click the three-dot menu inside the comment thread, and choose Delete. Only the comment's author or someone with Editor access can remove it.
Can I assign a comment as a task to someone?
Yes. When typing a comment, type @ followed by their email, then check the Assign to box that appears. They'll receive an email with the task and can mark it done from the sheet.
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