MIN Function
Purpose
Returns the smallest numeric value in a set of values or range.
Syntax
EXCEL
=MIN(number1, [number2], ...)
Arguments Breakdown
| Argument | Required? | Description |
|---|---|---|
number1 |
Required | The first number, cell reference, or range from which to find the minimum. |
number2, ... |
Optional | Additional numbers, cell references, or ranges (up to 255 arguments). |
Practical Examples
1. Range Minimum
EXCEL
=MIN(B3:B12)
2. Bounding Floor Calculation
Ensures a discounted price never drops below a minimum threshold:
EXCEL
=MAX(CalculatedPrice, MinimumPrice)
Behavior & Gotchas
- Ignores empty cells, logical values (
TRUE/FALSE), and text entries within range references. - If the range contains no numeric values,
=MIN()returns0.
Related Knowledge
- Notes: 02 Statistical and Aggregation Functions
- Workbook:
11_Demos_and_Workbooks/03_Formulas_and_Functions/Formulas_&_Functions_Part_1.xlsx(Sheet:Arithmetic and statistical)