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How to Add a Does Not Apply Option to Microsoft Forms Likert Questions

Bushra Parveen Oct 21, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to include a 'Does not apply to me' or 'N/A' choice within a Likert scale question in Microsoft Forms.

How to Add a Does Not Apply Option to Microsoft Forms Likert Questions

Product: Microsoft Forms
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating a survey or questionnaire that requires an N/A response option for specific Likert scale rows to avoid forcing inaccurate answers.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Forms does not natively support adding an N/A or 'Does not apply' option directly within the built-in Likert question matrix.

Before you start

Ensure you have edit access to the Microsoft Form and that your survey questions are fully finalized before setting up branching logic, as rearranging questions later can disrupt the logic flow.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Branching Logic as a Workaround

Since there is no native N/A option in the Likert matrix, you can create a preliminary multiple-choice question and use branching to skip the Likert question for users to whom it does not apply.

This method ensures respondents aren't forced to provide an inaccurate rating if the Likert question is mandatory. It keeps your survey data clean by filtering out irrelevant responses before the respondent even reaches the Likert matrix.

Add a screening question

Click 'Add new' in your form and select 'Choice'. Ask the respondent if the upcoming topic applies to them, providing 'Yes' and 'Does not apply to me' as the response options.

Add the Likert question

Click 'Add new', select the drop-down arrow for more question types, and choose 'Likert'. Create your Likert question immediately following the screening question.

Open branching options

Click on the screening question to activate it. Click the three dots (More settings for question) in the bottom right corner of the question box, then select 'Add branching'.

Configure the branching logic

Next to the 'Yes' option, set the drop-down to go to the Likert question. Next to the 'Does not apply to me' option, set the drop-down to skip the Likert question and proceed to the next relevant section or the end of the form.

Data Accuracy: Using branching prevents users from randomly guessing on a Likert scale just to pass a required question, significantly improving your survey's data accuracy.

Solution 2

Submit a Feature Request to Microsoft

Advocate for a built-in 'N/A' column in Likert questions by submitting feedback directly to the Microsoft Forms development team.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I simply make the Likert question optional instead of using branching?

Yes, you can toggle the 'Required' button off for the Likert question. However, this means respondents can skip it without specifying that it 'does not apply,' which might make it difficult to distinguish between an accidental skip and a deliberate N/A when analyzing your data.

Will adding branching affect my survey's overall scoring?

If you are using Microsoft Forms as a quiz with points assigned, questions that are skipped via branching logic will not count towards the total score of that specific respondent.

Does Microsoft plan to add an N/A option to Likert questions?

Microsoft frequently updates Forms based on user feedback from their portal. While there is no official release date for an N/A option in Likert questions, highly voted feature requests are regularly reviewed and implemented by the development team.

Can I add a custom text box to a Likert question for respondents to explain their N/A choice?

Microsoft Forms does not allow adding a custom text entry field directly inside a Likert matrix. You must add a separate 'Text' question immediately below the Likert question to collect any explanations or additional comments.

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