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How to Add Open-Ended Explanations to Microsoft Forms Likert Rows

Huma Ashraf Ch Sep 30, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to add an open-ended explanation text box after each row or rating within a Microsoft Forms Likert question.

How to Add an Open-Ended Explanation to Each Microsoft Forms Likert Row

Product: Microsoft Forms
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Designing a detailed survey where respondents need to justify or explain the ratings they give for individual items in a Likert matrix.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Forms does not natively provide a separate text box after every row or rating in a Likert question, preventing respondents from directly explaining each specific choice.

Before you start

Plan your survey structure carefully in advance, as adding multiple text explanation fields will require setting up branching logic and can significantly increase the total length of your form.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Branching Logic with Separate Text Questions

Create independent Text questions for explanations and use branching logic to direct users to the appropriate text box based on their Likert rating.

Because Microsoft Forms does not natively support text fields inside a Likert matrix, the most effective workaround is to build separate text-based questions that act as follow-up explanations. You can then use the built-in branching feature to show these text boxes dynamically based on how the user responds.

Add a Text question

In your Microsoft Form, click the 'Add new' button and select 'Text' to create an open-ended question for your first Likert row explanation.

Duplicate for other rows

Repeat this process to create a distinct text box question for every row or specific rating that requires an explanation.

Access branching settings

Click the three dots (More settings for question) in the top-right corner of your Likert question and select 'Add branching'.

Configure the branching paths

Set the branching rules so that respondents are automatically directed to the corresponding explanation text box based on the specific answers they select.

Use Branching Logic with Separate Text Questions

Survey Length Consideration: This workaround can make your survey appear much longer and may lead to fatigue. Consider using it only for critical questions and making the explanation text boxes optional.

Solution 2

Provide Optional Text Fields Immediately Below the Likert Scale

A simpler alternative that avoids complex branching is to place optional text fields directly beneath the Likert matrix.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a comment box directly inside a Microsoft Forms Likert matrix?

No, Microsoft Forms does not natively support adding open-ended text boxes directly inside or directly beside individual rows of a Likert scale question.

Will adding multiple explanation fields make my Microsoft Form too long?

Yes, adding a separate text question for every row in a Likert scale can make the survey significantly longer and might negatively impact your survey completion rate. It is recommended to only ask for explanations when strictly necessary.

How do I request Microsoft to add per-row text boxes in Likert scales?

You can submit feature requests and feedback directly to the Microsoft Forms development team by clicking the 'Feedback' icon, which is usually located at the bottom right corner or within the help menu of the Microsoft Forms interface.

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