Math
RANK
Definition
RANK returns the rank of a number in a list, with 1 as the largest by default.
Syntax
=RANK(number, ref, [order])
Arguments
| Argument | Meaning |
|---|---|
number |
The value to rank, or the cell holding it. |
ref |
The list of numbers to rank against, such as A2:A4. |
order |
Optional. Leave it out or use 0 for largest = 1. Use 1 for smallest = 1. |
Worked example
A quiz sheet ranks the score in A3 against the list in A2:A4.
| A: Score |
|---|
| 50 |
| 80 |
| 65 |
Formula: =RANK(A3,A2:A4)
Result: 1. 80 is the highest of 50, 80, and 65, so its rank is 1.
Practice
Cells A2:A4 hold 90, 70, and 80. In B2, write a formula that returns the rank of A3 in that list.
- In B2, write a RANK formula that returns the rank of A3 in A2:A4.
- B2 should show the rank of A3 in A2:A4.
Step 1 of 2
Enter =RANK(A3,A2:A4) in B2.
A3 is 70. 90 and 80 are higher, so the rank is 3.
Formulas here use English function names, such as SUM, and a period as the decimal separator, in every language.
Loading the sheet…
B2 uses RANK.
B2 now shows 3.
Related functions
LARGE can return the value that sits at a rank. MEDIAN is a middle value, not a place in the order.
Common mistake
Ranking A2 when you meant A3: RANK(A2,A2:A4) on 90, 70, 80 is 1, while A3 (70) is 3.