Excel - MINA Function



MINA Function

The Excel MINA function extracts the minimal value from a mixed set of data values, which includes letters and Boolean values(TRUE/FALSE). It assigns 0 to letters and False and 1 to TRUE. The MINA function is beneficial in various scenarios when dealing with enriched datasets comprising Boolean, text, and numeric values. On the other hand, if you wish to fetch the minimal value from the integer dataset, then it would be preferred to utilize the MIN function.

Compatibility

This Statistical 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 MINA function is as follows −

=MINA(value1, [value2] ...)

Arguments

You can use the following arguments with the MINA function −

Argument Description Required / Optional
Value1, value2, ... It contains 1 to 255 independent arguments to obtain the smallest number. Value1 is mandatory, remaining values are optional.

Points to Remember

  • The arguments support all data types like numeric values, number text depiction, Boolean values(True/False), arrays, and cell references that point to numbers.
  • If the argument contains the cell ranges that point to the mixed set of the data types, in this case, only numeric and logical values are used in computation, and the text values, empty values, are excluded.
  • Arguments that define the Booleans values(TRUE is treated as 1, FALSE is treated as 0) during calculations.
  • If the error values or letters other than text depiction of the numbers specified in the argument may give you errors.
  • If the cells contain the empty value in the arguments, then the MINA function retrieves 0.
  • If the non-numeric value is directly supplied to the cell reference argument, the MINA function will return the #VALUE! error.

Examples of MINA Function in Excel

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

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

This example will demonstrate the fundamental idea of applying the MINA function to a wide range of input data.

Solution

Step 1 − Consider the sample dataset, where numeric, logical, and text values are depicted in the cell range B3:B9. Enter the formula =MINA(B3:B9) in the C3 cell. While evaluating the MINA formula, the dan text value is ignored.

MINA Function

Hence, the MINA function returns the -5 representing the smallest value.

MINA Function 1

Example 2: Difference Between MIN and MINA Function

Novice usually confused between these two statistical functions. The practical approach is showcased in this example to get the clarity of using the MIN and MINA function.

Solution

The fundamental difference between MIN and MINA function is that the MINA computes the TRUE as 1 and FALSE as 0. However, the MIN function does not count logical and text values. You may write the formula =MINA(B2:B8) in the C2 cell and hit the Enter.

MINA Function 2

Therefore, the MINA function retrieves the 1 as a result.

On the other hand, apply the =MIN(B2:B8) formula in the C3 cell and hit Enter tab.

MINA Function 3

Therefore, the MIN function returns the result of 3, which is different from the MINA functions result.

Apart from this, the behavior of these functions is the same when using an array, which means both functions ignore the Boolean values when directly defined in the array.

For instance

The MIN formula =MIN({FALSE,TRUE,4}) and =MINA({FALSE,TRUE,4}) gives you the same result.

MINA Function 4

Download Practice Sheet

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

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