Math
SMALL
Definition
SMALL returns the k-th smallest number in a range.
Syntax
=SMALL(array, k)
Arguments
| Argument | Meaning |
|---|---|
array |
The cells that hold the numbers, such as A2:A5. |
k |
Which smallest to return. 1 is the smallest; 2 is the next smallest. |
Worked example
A depot lists four wait times and wants the second-shortest. Times are in A2:A5.
| A: Wait |
|---|
| 12 |
| 5 |
| 9 |
| 4 |
Formula: =SMALL(A2:A5,2)
Result: 5. Ordered, the times are 4, 5, 9, and 12, so the second-smallest is 5.
Practice
Cells A2:A5 hold 8, 3, 5, and 1. In B2, write a formula that returns the 2nd smallest value.
- In B2, write a SMALL formula that returns the second smallest value in A2:A5.
- B2 should show the second smallest value in A2:A5.
Step 1 of 2
Enter =SMALL(A2:A5,2) in B2.
1 is the smallest and 3 is next, so the second smallest 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 SMALL.
B2 now shows 3.
Related functions
MIN is SMALL with k equal to 1. MINIFS is the smallest that also passes a test.
Common mistake
Using k=0: SMALL starts at 1, so SMALL(A2:A5,0) returns #NUM!.