MIN function: Description, Usage, Syntax, Examples and Explanation
What is MIN function in Excel?
MIN function is one of Statistical functions in Microsoft Excel that returns the smallest number in a set of values.
Syntax of MIN function
MIN(number1, [number2], …)
The MIN function syntax has the following arguments:
- Number1, number2, … Number1 is optional, subsequent numbers are optional. 1 to 255 numbers for which you want to find the minimum value.
Explanation of MIN function
- 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, MIN returns 0.
- 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 MINA function.
Example of MIN 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.
9 Mathematical Computations Example using Excel Statistical Function
Data | ||
10 | ||
7 | ||
9 | ||
27 | ||
2 | ||
Formula | Description | Result |
=MIN(A2:A6) | Smallest of the numbers in the range A2:A6. | 2 |
=MIN(A2:A6,0) | Smallest of the numbers in the range A2:A6 and 0. | 0 |