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Excel function · Statistics
MIN
Returns the smallest number.
What it does
MIN returns the lowest value among its arguments. For times and prices the smallest is often the best.
Syntax
=MIN(number1, [number2], …)Arguments in square brackets are optional, and … means you can add more of the same. In this Excel language, arguments are separated by ,
Arguments
- number
- The first number, cell or range. Add more arguments for other ranges.
Example
Three runners did the 400 m. What was the fastest time?
| A | B | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Runner | Seconds |
| 2 | Ana | 62.4 |
| 3 | Ben | 59.8 |
| 4 | Kai | 61.1 |
| 5 | Fastest | 59.8 |
The formula in B5:
=MIN(B2:B4)Result: 59.8
The smallest number of seconds wins. Of 62.4, 59.8 and 61.1, the smallest is 59.8, run by Ben.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting that 0 counts. A 0 typed for a missing time becomes the minimum; leave the cell empty instead.
- Using
MAXfor times out of habit. The best time is the smallest.
In other Excel languages
Excel translates function names, and in some languages the argument separator too. Type the name your Excel shows.
| Excel language | Function name | Separator |
|---|---|---|
| English | MIN | , |
| Deutsch | MIN | ; |
| Français | MIN | ; |
| Español (España) | MIN | ; |
| Español (México) | MIN | , |
| 日本語 | MIN | , |
| 한국어 | MIN | , |
| 繁體中文 | MIN | , |
| ไทย | MIN | , |
| ខ្មែរ | MIN | , |
| Tiếng Việt | MIN | ; |