Math
Finding the highest number in a range
Definition
Finding the highest number in a range means giving MAX a short column of numbers.
Syntax
=MAX(number1, [number2], ...)
Arguments
| Argument | Meaning |
|---|---|
number1 |
The first value or range to compare, such as B2:B4. |
number2, ... |
Optional extra values or ranges to include in the same comparison. |
Worked example
A clinic logs how many people wait in each queue in B2:B4.
| A: Desk | B: Queue |
|---|---|
| A | 14 |
| B | 22 |
| C | 19 |
Formula: =MAX(B2:B4)
Result: 22. Of 14, 22, and 19, the longest queue is 22.
Practice
Cells A2:A4 hold 3, 8, and 5. In B2, write a formula that returns the highest of those numbers.
- In B2, write a MAX formula for A2:A4.
- B2 should show the highest value in A2:A4.
Step 1 of 2
Enter =MAX(A2:A4) in B2.
8 is higher than 3 and 5.
Formulas here use English function names, such as SUM, and a period as the decimal separator, in every language.
Loading the sheet…
B2 uses MAX.
B2 now shows 8.
The next lesson is Taking a prefix from a word.
Related functions
MAX is the function that returns the highest number in that range.
Common mistake
Using MIN instead, as in =MIN(B2:B4): that returns 14, the shortest queue, not the longest queue 22.