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Single-choice polls

Single-choice polls, right inside Gmail

A single-choice poll asks one question and lets each person pick exactly one option, so you get one clear winner. To send one in Gmail, open the Polls for Gmail add-on from the compose window (or click the robot next to Send in Chrome), choose Single choice, add your options and insert the poll. Recipients vote in one click, with no sign-in.

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Free plan includes every poll typeVoters don’t sign in
A
Alex Park
to team

Quick one, tap your answer below:

Poll
Where should we hold the team offsite dinner?
Click an option to vote — one vote per person.
Thai Garden
La Trattoria
Smokehouse
Sushi Kan
Made with Polls for Gmail
15 questions

In an analysis of 100,000 surveys, SurveyMonkey found drop-off rises most sharply with each added question, up to 15 questions.

Every extra question costs you answers. A single-choice poll asks one question, so people can answer in a single click.

Source: SurveyMonkey, Survey Science: survey questions and completion rates, 2010
Who uses it

Who sends single choice polls

Real questions people send every week.

Team managersWhich topic should lead Thursday's all-hands: roadmap, hiring plan or new office?Settle small team decisions in the inbox without a meeting or a long reply-all thread.
Teachers and schoolsWhich field trip should Grade 5 take this spring: science museum, aquarium or farm?Parents vote from any email app with no account, so more families actually respond.
Small businessesWhich new logo should we launch with: Logo A or Logo B?Ask customers or staff to pick one option and see a clear winner on the dashboard.
Coaches and clubsWhich color should this season's team jerseys be: navy, red or green?One tap per member gives you a decision before the next practice.
Use cases

When a single choice poll works best

Six common situations, each with a question you can borrow.

Team lunch or dinnerWhere's Friday's team lunch? (Ramen bar, Taco truck, Salad place)
Meeting agenda topicWhat should we cover first at Monday's planning meeting? (Q4 budget, Launch timeline, Hiring)
Design or logo pickWhich homepage hero should we ship? (Version A, Version B)
Event theme or venueWhich theme for the holiday party? (Winter wonderland, 80s night, Casino night)
Class or club choicesWhich book should the reading club start next month? (The Overstory, Project Hail Mary, Educated)
Family plansWhere should we spend Thanksgiving this year? (Mom's house, The lake cabin, Our place)
How to

How to send a single choice poll in Gmail

About two minutes, start to finish.

1
Start an emailOpen Gmail and start a new message. Use the add-on from the compose window on web or mobile, or the robot next to Send in desktop Chrome.
2
Choose Single choicePick Single choice as the poll type. Each voter will be able to select exactly one option.
3
Add question and optionsType one question and up to 10 options (20 on Pro). Optionally set a deadline, hide results, or ask voters for their name or email.
4
Insert, send, watch resultsInsert the poll and send. Recipients vote in one click from any email client, and results update live in your dashboard.

Using the Chrome extension? Click the robot next to Send in any draft. It’s the same poll, just faster.

Best practices

Tips for better answers

Keep the list shortThree to five options is easier to scan and decide on. Long lists make people skim and spread votes thin.
Name options like real choices"Thai Garden" reads as a decision. "Option B" reads as homework. Concrete labels get faster, more confident votes.
Add a deadlineA deadline tells people when the decision happens, which nudges stragglers. You can still see results live in your dashboard.

Use a different type when…

Multiple choicemore than one answer can be true and people should pick every option that works
Ranked choiceyou want to see everyone's full order of preference, not just their top pick
All poll typesCompare all seven
Free template

10 ready-to-send single choice questions

Copy one, paste it into a poll, and send. No sign-up needed.

Question bank
  1. Where should we hold the team offsite dinner? (Thai Garden, La Trattoria, Smokehouse, Sushi Kan)
  2. Which topic should lead the all-hands? (Roadmap, Hiring plan, New office)
  3. Which logo should we go with? (Logo A, Logo B)
  4. Which field trip should our class take? (Science museum, Aquarium, Apple orchard)
  5. What time works best for parent-teacher conferences? (Mornings, Lunchtime, After school)
  6. Which color for this season's team jerseys? (Navy, Red, Green)
  7. Which open house date suits you best? (Saturday morning, Saturday afternoon, Sunday afternoon)
  8. Which plan fits your team best? (Starter, Growth, Enterprise)
  9. Which theme for the holiday party? (Winter wonderland, 80s night, Casino night)
  10. Where should we go for the family reunion? (Lake cabin, Beach house, Grandma's place)
Send one in Gmail, free
FAQ

Single choice poll questions, answered

What is a single-choice poll?

A single-choice poll asks one question and lets each voter select exactly one option from a list. Results show as live percentage bars, so the winner is clear at a glance. It's the right format for pick-one decisions like a lunch spot, a meeting topic or logo A versus logo B.

How do I create a single-choice poll in Gmail?

Start a new email in Gmail and open the Polls for Gmail add-on from the compose window, or click the robot next to Send if you use the Chrome extension. Choose Single choice, type your question and options, then insert the poll and send. Recipients vote in one click.

Do recipients need an account or add-on to vote?

No. Recipients vote with one click from any email client, with no sign-in and nothing to install. Only the person creating the poll needs Polls for Gmail, through the Gmail add-on or the Chrome extension.

How many options can a single-choice poll have?

Up to 10 options on the Free and Standard plans, and up to 20 on Pro. For most decisions, three to five options is easier for people to scan and choose from.

Can I hide results or set a deadline on a Gmail poll?

Yes. Each poll can optionally have a deadline, hidden results, and voter identification by name or email. Hidden results let you share the outcome when you're ready, and these options are included on every plan.

Is a single-choice poll free in Polls for Gmail?

Yes. The Free plan includes every poll type, including single choice. Paid plans are Standard at $100 per year and Pro at $150 per year, and Pro adds features like up to 5 questions per poll, vote reminders, templates, exports and 20 options.

Every poll type, free to try

Date & timeYes / NoSingle choiceMultiple choiceStar ratingRanked choiceOpen-ended

Send your first single choice poll today.

Recipients vote in one click, right from their inbox.

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