Math
Finding the lowest number in a range
Definition
Finding the lowest number in a range means giving MIN a short column of numbers.
Syntax
=MIN(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 bus stop logs wait times in minutes in B2:B4.
| A: Bus | B: Wait (min) |
|---|---|
| 12 | 17 |
| 19 | 9 |
| 27 | 4 |
Formula: =MIN(B2:B4)
Result: 4. Of 17, 9, and 4, the lowest wait is 4.
Practice
Cells A2:A5 hold 9, 4, 11, and 2. In B2, write a formula that returns the lowest of those numbers.
- In B2, write a MIN formula for A2:A5.
- B2 should show the lowest value in A2:A5.
Step 1 of 2
Enter =MIN(A2:A5) in B2.
2 is lower than 9, 4, and 11.
Formulas here use English function names, such as SUM, and a period as the decimal separator, in every language.
Loading the sheet…
B2 uses MIN.
B2 now shows 2.
The next lesson is Finding the highest number in a range.
Related functions
MIN is the function that returns the lowest number in that range.
Common mistake
Using MAX instead, as in =MAX(B2:B4): that returns 17, the longest wait, not the lowest wait 4.