How to Use the MIN Function in Excel

This guide will explain how to start using the MIN function in Excel to find the smallest value in a range.

If you’re dealing with an array or range of values, it can be useful to know the smallest value. For example, when analyzing a table of item listings, determining the lowest price available from the list can offer beneficial insights.

Excel’s MIN function enables you to find the smallest values in a given range. In this guide, we will provide a step-by-step tutorial on how to use the MIN function in Excel to find the minimum value given a numeric dataset.

The Anatomy of the MIN Function

The syntax of the MIN function is as follows:

=MIN(number1, [number2], ...)

Let’s look at each argument to understand how to use the MIN function.

• MIN() refers to our MIN function. This function returns the smallest value in a set of values. This value must be the number where all other numbers in the dataset are either greater than or equal to.
• Number1, number2, …   – The Number1 argument is required, and all subsequent number inputs are optional.
• If the arguments contain no numbers, MIN returns a value of 0.
• The arguments can be numbers, names, arrays, or cell references that contain numerical data.

A Real Example of the MIN Function in Excel

Let’s explore a simple use case for the MIN function in Excel.

In the table above, we have a table containing the final grades of a group of students. We want to determine the lowest final grade from this batch of students.

Given this sample data, we can use the following formula to find the smallest value:

=MIN(B2:B20)

The MIN function requires at least one argument which should refer to a number or a cell range containing numbers. In this case, we’ll use the range B2:B20 as an argument to find the smallest value.

After evaluating our MIN formula, we discovered that the lowest final grade in this batch of students is 65.

Since dates are also stored as numbers, we can use the MIN function to find the earliest date in a range. In Excel, earlier dates have a lower numerical value.

In the example above, we used the MIN function on a range of dates to determine the earliest date in our transaction table.

Click on the link below to create your own copy of our examples.

Head to the next section to read our step-by-step tutorial on how to use the MIN function in Excel.

How to Use the MIN Function in Excel

1. Identify the range where you wish to search for the minimum value. Select an empty cell where you wish to output the minimum value.
   
   In this example, we want to find the lowest final grade in the range B2:B20 and return the result in cell E1.
   
2. In your desired cell, type “=MIN(“ to start the MIN function.
   
3. Input the range of cells identified earlier as an argument to the MIN function. Close the formula with a closing parenthesis.
   
   In our example, we’ll type in the range containing the final grades of our students (B2:B20).
   
4. Hit the Enter key to evaluate the MIN function.
   
   With our MIN formula, we find out that the lowest final grade from this batch of students is 65.

These are all the steps you need to know to start using the MIN function in Excel.

FAQs

1. Can the MIN function compare dates as well as numbers?
   Yes, the MIN function can be used to find the earliest date in a range of dates. Excel stores dates as serial numbers, allowing them to be compared and calculated like numeric values.
2. How do I find the nth smallest value in a range rather than just the smallest?
   The SMALL function allows you to find not only the smallest value but also the k-th smallest value in a dataset. For example, the formula =SMALL(A1:A15,5) will return the fifth smallest value in the range A1:A10.
3. Can I find the smallest value in a range that follows a specific criteria?
   Yes, you can find the smallest value in a range that follows a specific criteria in Excel by using the MINIFS function instead. This function allows you to specify one or more criteria to filter the range of values before determining the smallest number among them.

To learn more about using Excel for analyzing a dataset for maximum or minimum values, you can read our post on how to use the LARGE function in Excel.

That’s all for this guide! Be sure to check out our library of spreadsheet resources, tips, and tricks!