The HTML checked attribute
Quick answer
The HTML checked attribute pre-selects the checkbox or radio button by default. It is used on the <input type="checkbox"> and <input type="radio"> elements.
Overview
The checked attribute pre-checks a checkbox or radio button. It is used on form controls such as <input>, <select> and <textarea>.
It is a form-control attribute: it configures how a control behaves, what it accepts, or its initial value, working alongside the control's <label> and parent <form>. Constraint attributes also feed the browser's built-in validation.
Syntax
<input type="checkbox" checked>Values
| Value |
|---|
| A boolean attribute — present or absent. |
Example
<label><input type="checkbox" checked> Subscribe</label>Best practices
- Give every control a <label> so it has an accessible name.
- Treat client-side constraints as a convenience — always validate again on the server, since they can be bypassed.
- Choose the most specific input type so users get the right on-screen keyboard and built-in checks.
- Keep the submitted name and value meaningful for whatever processes the form.
Frequently asked questions
What does the checked attribute do?
Pre-checks a checkbox or radio button.
Are HTML form attributes enough for validation?
They give instant feedback, but client-side checks can be bypassed, so always validate on the server too.
Do form controls still need a label?
Yes. Every control needs a <label> for an accessible name, whatever attributes you set.
Which elements use the checked attribute?
It is an element-specific attribute, used on form controls such as <input>, <select> and <textarea>.