Excel MIN Function
The MIN function in Microsoft Excel returns the smallest number in a range of cells. It is commonly used to identify the lowest value in datasets, such as minimum sales, scores, or prices.
Key Topics
Overview of MIN Function
The MIN function scans a range of cells and returns the smallest numerical value, ignoring text, blank cells, or errors. It is useful for analyzing datasets to find the lowest performance metrics or values.
MIN Function Syntax
The syntax for the MIN function is as follows:
Syntax: =MIN(number1, [number2], ...)
Parameters:
- number1: The first number or range to evaluate (required).
- number2, ...: Additional numbers or ranges (optional).
Implementation Examples
Below are examples of how to use the MIN function in different scenarios.
Example 1: =MIN(B2:B6) — Returns the smallest value in B2 through B6.
Example 2: =MIN(B2, C2, D2) — Returns the smallest value among B2, C2, and D2.
Example 3: =MIN(B2:B6, C2:C6) — Returns the smallest value across two ranges.
Sample Dataset (Excel-style View)
Below is a demo dataset styled like Excel, showing how the MIN function can be used to find the lowest sales amount.
| A | B | C | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Region | Sales Q1 | Sales Q2 |
| 2 | North | 12000 | 15000 |
| 3 | South | 8000 | 9000 |
| 4 | East | 10000 | 11000 |
| 5 | West | 15000 | 17000 |
| 6 | Central | 9000 | 10000 |
| 7 | Minimum | =MIN(B2:B6) |
=MIN(C2:C6) |
Note: In the dataset, cell B7 uses =MIN(B2:B6) to find the lowest sales for Q1, and cell C7 uses =MIN(C2:C6) for Q2. MIN ignores non-numeric values.
Key Takeaways
- The MIN function returns the smallest numerical value in a range or set of cells.
- It ignores text, blank cells, and errors, focusing only on numbers.
- It supports multiple ranges, e.g.,
=MIN(B2:B6, C2:C6). - Common uses include finding the lowest sales, scores, or costs in datasets.
- The sample dataset demonstrates MIN applied to regional sales data for two quarters.