Excel - MAX Function



MAX Function

The Excel MAX function extracts the immense value of numbers in an array or a specific range. This function inclusively works with integer values, date, and time and is highly nonproductive when dealing with letters and logical values. It is categorized under the Statistical function in Excel. For example, which student achieves the highest marks determines the largest sales production of the companys different zones.

Compatibility

This advanced Excel function is compatible with the following versions of MS Excel.

  • Excel for Microsoft 365
  • Excel for Microsoft 365 for Mac
  • Excel for the web
  • Excel 2024
  • Excel 2024 for Mac
  • Excel 2021
  • Excel 2021 for Mac
  • Excel 2019
  • Excel 2016
  • Excel 2013
  • Excel 2010
  • Excel 2007

Syntax

The syntax of the MAX function is as follows −

=MAX(number1, [number2] ...)

Arguments

You can use the following arguments with the MAX function −

Argument Description Required / Optional
Number1 It specifies the 1 to 255 numbers upon which the MAX function is to be applied. Required

Points to Remember

  • You can specify numeric values, named ranges, arrays, or cell references that point to numbers.
  • If the numeric value is not specified in the arguments, then the MAX function will return 0.
  • If the non-numeric values are directly provided to the MAX function, then the MAX function yields an #VALUE! Error.
  • If the array or cell reference is defined in the argument, then the Boolean values, blank values, or text strings in the defined array are excluded. Only the numbers are included in the MAX functions.
  • Utilize the MAXA function to include Boolean and text depiction of integers.
  • The integer’s text representation and Boolean values directly referred to in the defined array are included when computing the MAX function.
  • The array elements or cell reference contains a mixed data set like text, numbers, and boolean values. Then, in this case, only numbers are employed by the MAX function

Excel MAX Function not Working

If the cell is formatted as text, the MAX function will not execute. You need to set the cell Formatting to General, where this function is evaluated.

If the array contains only the text or error values, then the MAX function yields an error.

Examples of MAX Function in Excel

Practice the following examples to get the master proficiency in the MAX function in Excel.

Example 1: How to use the MAX Function in Excel?

In this example, we will apply the MAX function to obtain the highest numeric value and highest date among given input values in a selected cell range.

Solution

Step 1 − First, assume the sample dataset comprises Numbers, Dates, and Results. You may also specify the date serial numbers instead of dates.

MAX Function in Excel

Step 2 − After that, place the cursor on the D2 cell and double click and type the formula =MAX(B2:B7).

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After pressing the Enter tab, the MAX function returns the 900 as a result.

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Step 3 − Furthermore, move to the next cell, D3, double-click on it, write the formula =MAX(C2:C7), and hit the Enter tab.

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Hence, the MAX function will retrieve the largest date 26-03-2023.

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Example 2

In this example, various arrays are to be defined step by step to understand the behavior of the MAX function.

Solution

Step 1 − First, switch to the next Sheet2, enter the formula =MAX("100","3", "5") in the B3 cell. In this expression, the text representation of the numbers is defined in the array.

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Therefore, the MAX function retrieves the 100 as a result.

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Step 2 − Moreover, select cell B4, enter the formula =MAX(TRUE,FALSE,TRUE,TRUE), and hit Enter.

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Therefore, the resulting value is 1, which means the MAX function works efficiently with logical values.

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Step 3 − Afterward, write the formula =MAX(C3,B3,0) in the B5 cell and press the Enter tab.

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Hence, the MAX function returns the #DIV/0! Error.

Download Practice Sheet

You can download and use the sample data sheet to practice the MAX function.

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