How MIN works in Excel? Best MIN examples

How MIN works in Excel? Best MIN examples

When working with Excel, sometimes I need to analyze data and find the smallest value in a set of numbers. That’s where the MIN function comes in handy. This function is simple yet powerful, allowing me to quickly identify the minimum value within a given range.

What is the MIN Function in Excel?

The MIN function in Excel is a built-in statistical function that returns the smallest numerical value from a given set of numbers. It’s useful when working with large datasets where manually searching for the lowest number would be time-consuming.

How to Use the MIN Function

The syntax for the MIN function is straightforward:

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

Where:

  • number1 – This is the first number, cell reference, or range.
  • [number2] – This is optional and represents additional numbers or ranges.

Basic Example of the MIN Function

Let’s say I have a list of numbers in cells A1 to A5:

A
25
18
32
14
27

To find the smallest number in this range, I would use:

=MIN(A1:A5)

The result would be 14, as it’s the smallest number in the list.

Using MIN with Multiple Ranges

I can also apply the MIN function to multiple ranges. For example:

=MIN(A1:A5, B1:B5)

This formula will return the smallest value from both column A and column B.

Ignoring Zero and Empty Cells

By default, the MIN function ignores empty cells but includes zero values. If I want to exclude zeros, I can use the MINIFS function in newer Excel versions:

=MINIFS(A1:A10, A1:A10, ">0")

This formula finds the smallest value while ignoring zeros.

MIN with Conditional Criteria

If I need to find the smallest number that meets a condition, the MINIFS function is helpful:

=MINIFS(A1:A10, B1:B10, "Completed")

This formula finds the smallest number in column A where the corresponding row in column B contains “Completed”.

Common Errors and How to Fix Them

Sometimes, I run into issues when using MIN. Some common errors include:

  • #VALUE! – This occurs if I reference a text that can’t be converted into a number.
  • Empty Range – If my range has no numbers, MIN returns 0.
  • Logical Values – The function ignores logical values unless I explicitly reference them.

Best Practical Applications of the MIN Function

Here are some real-world uses for the MIN function:

  1. Finding the Lowest Sales Figure – I use it to identify the lowest sales performance in a report.
  2. Determining Lowest Temperature – When analyzing weather data, it helps me find the coldest day.
  3. Finding Shortest Delivery Time – In logistics, I use it to determine the quickest delivery period.

Final Thoughts

The MIN function in Excel is a valuable tool for identifying the lowest numerical value in a dataset. Whether I’m comparing sales, delivery times, or performance metrics, it helps me make data-driven decisions quickly. By combining MIN with functions like MINIFS, I can refine my results even further.

 

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How AVERAGEIFS works in Excel? Best AVERAGEIFS examples