Math
Finding the lowest price
Definition
Finding the lowest price means giving MIN a column of prices.
Syntax
=MIN(number1, [number2], ...)
Arguments
| Argument | Meaning |
|---|---|
number1 |
The first price or the range of prices, such as B2:B4. |
number2, ... |
Optional extra prices or ranges to compare against. |
Worked example
A ferry desk lists ticket fares in B2:B4.
| A: Ticket | B: Fare |
|---|---|
| Walk | 21 |
| Bike | 16 |
| Car | 7 |
Formula: =MIN(B2:B4)
Result: 7. Of 21, 16, and 7, the cheapest fare is 7.
Practice
Cells C2:C4 hold 19, 12, and 15. In D2, write a formula that returns the lowest of those prices.
- In D2, write a MIN formula for C2:C4.
- D2 should show the lowest value in C2:C4.
Step 1 of 2
Enter =MIN(C2:C4) in D2.
12 is lower than 19 and 15.
Formulas here use English function names, such as SUM, and a period as the decimal separator, in every language.
Loading the sheet…
D2 uses MIN.
D2 now shows 12.
The next lesson is Finding the highest score.
Related functions
MIN is the function that returns the lowest price in that column.
Common mistake
Using MAX instead, as in =MAX(B2:B4): that returns 21, the dearest fare, not the cheapest fare 7.