Description
Use this function to find the smallest number in a set of values. Supported in Chains. Can be used with CHILDREFS.
MIN is useful for identifying the minimum value in a range of numbers.
Syntax
MIN(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 minimum value. | A number, a reference to a cell containing a number, a cell range that contains numbers, or a formula which results in any of these. |
number_n |
No | Additional numbers, cell references, or ranges to find the minimum value. | Additional numbers, references to cells containing numbers, cell ranges 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 |
10 |
20 |
|
2 |
5 |
15 |
|
3 |
30 |
25 |
|
4 |
7 |
12 |
Sample formulas
| Use case | Formula | Explanation and Result |
|---|---|---|
| Find the smallest value in a single column of numbers. | =MIN(A1:A4) |
Finds the smallest of the four values in column A. Result: 5 |
| Find the smallest value across a rectangular range spanning multiple columns. | =MIN(A1:B4) |
Finds the smallest value among all eight values in columns A and B. Result: 5 |
| Find the smaller of two specific cells. | =MIN(A2, B2) |
Compares A2 (5) and B2 (15) and returns the smaller of the two. Result: 5 |
| Find the smallest value among numbers typed directly into the formula. | =MIN(10, 20, 5, 15) |
Compares four literal values instead of pulling from a range. Result: 5 |
Notes
- MIN ignores empty cells, logical values, and text in the supplied values.
- If the range contains no numbers, MIN returns 0.
Tips
- Use MIN with IF to find the minimum value based on a condition.
- Use conditional formatting to highlight the minimum value in a range.