MAX function: Description, Usage, Syntax, Examples and Explanation
What is MAX function in Excel?
Syntax of MAX function
MAX(number1, [number2], …)
The MAX function syntax has the following arguments:
- Number1, number2, … Number1 is required, subsequent numbers are optional. 1 to 255 numbers for which you want to find the maximum value.
MAX formula explanation
- Arguments can either be numbers or names, arrays, or references that contain numbers.
- Logical values and text representations of numbers that you type directly into the list of arguments are counted.
- If an argument is an array or reference, only numbers in that array or reference are used. Empty cells, logical values, or text in the array or reference are ignored.
- If the arguments contain no numbers, MAX returns 0 (zero).
- Arguments that are error values or text that cannot be translated into numbers cause errors.
- If you want to include logical values and text representations of numbers in a reference as part of the calculation, use the MAXA function.
Example of MAX function
Steps to follow:
1. Open a new Excel worksheet.
2. Copy data in the following table below and paste it in cell A1
Note: For formulas to show results, select them, press F2 key on your keyboard and then press Enter.
You can adjust the column widths to see all the data, if need be.
Data | ||
10 | ||
7 | ||
9 | ||
27 | ||
2 | ||
Formula | Description | Result |
=MAX(A2:A6) | Largest value in the range A2:A6. | 27 |
=MAX(A2:A6, 30) | Largest value in the range A2:A6 and the value 30. | 30 |