How to Add Tasks to Google Calendar

Stay organized and on schedule with Google Tasks

Studio shot of notebook with list of things to do

Jamie Grill/Getty Images

by Marziah Karch
Updated October 16, 2018

Google provides an easy way to integrate a to-do or task list with your Google Calendar by using Google Tasks.

Tasks can not only be used in Google Calendar but also in Gmail and directly from your Android device.

How to Launch Google Tasks on a Computer

  1. Open Google Calendar, preferably with the Chrome browser, and log in if asked.

  2. Find the Tasks icon in sidebar on the right-hand side of the window.

    Tasks button in Google Calendar on macOS version of Chrome

    Previous Google Calendar versions put the tasks in the the menu at the top-left of Google Calendar, locate the My calendars section on the sidebar.

  3. Click the Tasks icon to open a simple to-do list on the right side of the screen.

     If you don't see the Tasks link, but do see something called Reminders, click the small menu to the right of Reminders and then choose Switch to Tasks.

  4. To add a new task in Google Calendar, click the Add a task button and then start typing.

    Add a task button in Google Calendar via macOS version of Chrome

Working With Your List

Managing your Google Tasks is pretty straightforward. Choose a date in the properties of the task to add it right to your calendar. Reorder the tasks in the list by clicking and dragging them up or down in the list. When a task is complete, put a check in the checkbox to put a strike over the text but still keep it visible for reuse.

To edit a Google Task from Google Calendar, use the > icon to the right of the task. From there, you can mark it as complete, change the due date, move it to a different task list, and add notes.

Multiple Lists

If you want to keep track of work tasks and home tasks, or tasks within separate projects, you can create multiple task lists in Google Calendar.

Do this by clicking on the small arrow at the bottom of the task window and selecting New list... from the menu. This is also the menu where you can switch between your different Google Tasks lists.

Adding Google Tasks From Your Android Phone

On recent versions of Android, you can create quick reminders by asking Google Now.

For example, "OK Google. Remind me to book a flight to Michigan tomorrow." Google Now responds with something to the effect of "OK. Here is your reminder. Tap Save if you want to keep it." The reminder is saved to your Android's calendar. 

You can also create reminders directly from within your Android's Google Calendar, and you can set "goals." Goals are regularly scheduled times set aside for a specific task, such as exercise or planning.