Math
MIN
Definition
MIN returns the smallest number among the values you give it.
Syntax
=MIN(number1, [number2], ...)
Arguments
| Argument | Meaning |
|---|---|
number1 |
The first value to compare: a number, a cell, or a range such as B2:B5. |
number2, ... |
Optional extra values or ranges to compare against. |
Worked example
A traveller compares the nightly price of four hotels. Prices are in B2:B5.
| A: Hotel | B: Price per night |
|---|---|
| Harbor | 129 |
| Garden | 94 |
| Station | 112 |
| Park | 107 |
Formula: =MIN(B2:B5)
Result: 94. Of 129, 94, 112, and 107, the value 94 is the lowest.
Practice
Cells F2:F5 hold the overnight temperatures -3, 18, 7, and 0. Write a formula that returns the coldest reading.
- In F6, write a MIN formula for F2:F5.
- F6 should show the lowest value in F2:F5.
Step 1 of 2
Enter =MIN(F2:F5) in F6.
-3 is lower than 18, 7, and 0.
Formulas here use English function names, such as SUM, and a period as the decimal separator, in every language.
Loading the sheet…
F6 uses MIN.
F6 now shows -3.
Related functions
MIN gives the lowest value, MAX gives the highest from the same cells, and AVERAGE shows where the middle of the data lies.
Common mistake
Assuming a zero is ignored: a 0 in the range is a real number, so MIN returns 0 even when every other value is larger.