Math
Finding the highest score
Definition
Finding the highest score means giving MAX a column of scores.
Syntax
=MAX(number1, [number2], ...)
Arguments
| Argument | Meaning |
|---|---|
number1 |
The first score or the range of scores, such as B2:B4. |
number2, ... |
Optional extra scores or ranges to compare against. |
Worked example
A quiz sheet stores marks in B2:B4.
| A: Pupil | B: Mark |
|---|---|
| Ivy | 45 |
| Omar | 58 |
| Nia | 72 |
Formula: =MAX(B2:B4)
Result: 72. Of 45, 58, and 72, the top mark is 72.
Practice
Cells D2:D4 hold 61, 88, and 74. In E2, write a formula that returns the highest of those scores.
- In E2, write a MAX formula for D2:D4.
- E2 should show the highest value in D2:D4.
Step 1 of 2
Enter =MAX(D2:D4) in E2.
88 is higher than 61 and 74.
Formulas here use English function names, such as SUM, and a period as the decimal separator, in every language.
Loading the sheet…
E2 uses MAX.
E2 now shows 88.
The next lesson is Taking the first three characters.
Related functions
MAX is the function that returns the highest score in that column.
Common mistake
Using MIN instead, as in =MIN(B2:B4): that returns 45, the lowest mark, not the top mark 72.