Excel - MIN Function



MIN Function

The Excel MIN function is part of the Statistical function and is contrary to the MAX function. This versatile function fetches the minimal value among the specified list of integer values, excluding text and Boolean values. It works extensively with other Excel functions like INDEX, IFERROR, IF, SUM, etc.

For example, the MIN function might find the lowest temperature across the country dataset, extract the name of the student who gained the minimum marks in the final exam, find the debt with the lowest balance, and so on.

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 MIN function is as follows −

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

Arguments

You can use the following arguments with the MIN function −

Argument Description Required / Optional
Number1 1 to 255 numbers for which you want to find the minimum value Required
number2,... Optional

Points to Remember

  • You may specify the numbers, arrays, names, and cell references pointing to numbers in its argument.
  • If the integer values are not specified in the range or argument, then the MIN function will retrieve the 0.
  • If the non-numeric values are directly provided into the MIN function, then it will return a #VALUE! Error.
  • If the array or cell reference is supplied in the argument, then the Boolean values, blank values, or text strings in that array are excluded. Only the numbers are employed in the MIN functions.
  • The integer’s text representation and Boolean values directly referred to in the defined array are included when computing the MIN 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 MIN function

Excel MIN Function not Working

1. If the cell is formatted as text, the MIN function will not work. It would be suggested that the cell formatting be set to General while computing the function in that cell.

2. The MIN function will return an error if only the text or error values are supplied.

3. If the filtered or hidden cells are included in the cell range, their values will not be evaluated when the MIN function yields an incorrect result.

Example of MIN Function in Excel

In this example, the MIN function is applied in the independent columns to extract the minimum values in the different cell ranges.

Solution

Step 1 − First, consider the sample dataset, where the numeric values are specified in the B, C, and D columns.

MIN Function in Excel

Step 2 − After that, select the range B8:D8 and enter the formula =MIN(B2:B7) in the formula bar.

MIN Function in Excel

Then, press Ctrl+Enter to obtain compute the MIN function.

MIN Function in Excel

Therefore, the MIN function returns 120, 45006, and 120 for the selected cell range B2:B7, C2:C7, and D2:D7. In the last column, the text values are excluded during the evaluation of the MIN function.

Download Practice Sheet

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

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