Description
Use this function to return the smallest value in a list of arguments, including numbers, text, and logical values. Supported in Chains. Can be used with CHILDREFS.
MINA is useful when you need to find the minimum value in a dataset that includes non-numeric entries. It differs from the MIN function in how it handles text and logical values.
Syntax
MINA(value1, […, value_254)
Inputs
This function accepts the following arguments:
| Name | Required | Description | Valid input |
|---|---|---|---|
value_1 |
Yes | The first number, cell reference, or range for which you want to find the minimum value. | A number, a text string, a cell reference, a cell range, logical values (TRUE/FALSE), or a formula which results in any of these. |
value_n
|
No | Additional numbers, cell references, or ranges. | Same as value_1. Up to 254 additional values can be provided. |
Example
Sample data
| A | B |
|---|---|
| Value | Type |
| 5 | Number |
| -3 | Number |
| Text | Text |
| TRUE | Logical |
| FALSE | Logical |
| 2.5 | Number |
Sample formulas
| Formula | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|
=MINA(A2:A7) |
Finds the minimum value in the range, including text and logical values. | -3 |
=MINA(5, -3, "Text", TRUE, FALSE, 2.5) |
Finds the minimum value in the list of arguments. | -3 |
=MINA(A4:A6) |
Finds the minimum value among text and logical values only. | 0 |
=MINA(10, "20", TRUE) |
Compares numeric, text (treated as 0), and logical TRUE (treated as 1). | 0 |
=MINA(A2:A7, -10) |
Finds the minimum value in the range and an additional number. | -10 |
Notes
- MINA treats non-numeric values and FALSE as 0, which can lead to unexpected results if not considered.
- MINA treats TRUE as 1, which means it will never be the minimum value unless all other values are greater than 1.
- MINA ignores empty cells and error values; these are ignored and not counted in the calculation.
- If the arguments contain no numbers, text, or logical values, MINA returns 0.
- MINA is limited to 255 arguments. For larger datasets, consider using formulas or helper columns.
Tips
- Use MINA when you need to find the minimum value in a dataset that includes text or logical values.
- Remember that MINA treats text data as 0, which may not always be appropriate for your analysis.
- If you only want to consider numeric values, use MIN instead.
- Combine MINA with other functions such as MAXA for a comprehensive analysis of mixed data types.
- When working with dates, remember that dates are stored as numbers in Workiva, so MINA can find the earliest date in a range.
Related functions
AVERAGE
AVERAGEA
AVERAGEIF
AVERAGEIFS
LARGE
MAX
MAXA
MAXIFS
MEDIAN
MIN
MINA
MINIFS
PERCENTILE
PERCENTILE.EXC
PERCENTILE.INC
QUARTILE
QUARTILE.EXC
QUARTILE.INC
RANK
RANK.AVG
RANK.EQ
SMALL
STDEV
STDEV.P
STDEV.S
STDEVA
STDEVPA