Description
Use this function to find the largest value in a set of values. Supported in Chains. Can be used with CHILDREFS.
MAX is useful for quickly identifying the highest value in a range of numbers.
Syntax
MAX(number_1, […, number_254])
Inputs
This function accepts the following arguments:
| Name | Required | Description | Valid input |
|---|---|---|---|
number_1 |
Yes | The first number, cell reference, or range for which you want to find the maximum value. | A number, a cell range containing numbers, a reference to a cell containing a number, or a formula which results in any of these. |
number_n |
No | Additional numbers, cell references, or ranges for which you want to find the maximum value. | Additional numbers, references to a cell containing a number, or ranges of cells that contain numbers, or formulas which results in any of these. Up to 254 additional values can be provided. |
Example
Sample data
A |
B |
||
|---|---|---|---|
1 |
3 |
15 |
|
2 |
7 |
22 |
|
3 |
5 |
9 |
|
4 |
10 |
6 |
Sample formulas
| Use case | Formula | Explanation and Result |
|---|---|---|
| Find the largest value in a single column of numbers. | =MAX(A1:A4) |
Finds the largest of the four values in column A. Result: 10 |
| Find the largest value across a rectangular range spanning multiple columns. | =MAX(A1:B4) |
Finds the largest value among all eight values in columns A and B. Result: 22 |
| Find the largest value among numbers typed directly into the formula. | =MAX(5, 12, 9) |
Compares three literal values instead of pulling from a range. Result: 12 |
| Find the larger of two specific cells. | =MAX(A2, B3) |
Compares A2 (7) and B3 (9) and returns the larger of the two. Result: 9 |
Notes
- MAX ignores empty cells, text, and logical values such as TRUE and FALSE.
- If the arguments contain no numbers, MAX returns 0.
- MAX can handle up to 255 arguments, including numbers, cell references, and ranges.
Tips
- Use MAX to quickly identify the highest value in a dataset, which can be useful for financial analysis, statistical calculations, and more.
- Instead of MAX, use LARGE to find the nth largest value in a range.
- You can combine MAX with other functions such as IF or SUM for more complex calculations.
- MAX is often used in conjunction with MIN to find the range of values in a dataset.
- For dynamic datasets, use MAXIFS to apply criteria to the values being evaluated.