BeginnerTotals and maths
Syntax
=MIN(number1, [number2], ...)| Argument | What it means |
|---|---|
number1 | The numbers, cells or range to look through. |
Examples with results
Every result below is calculated by the practice engine on the sample data shown, not typed in by hand.
Class scores (fictional)
| Row | A | B | C | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Student | Maths | Science | English |
| 2 | Layla | 78 | 85 | 91 |
| 3 | Omar | 62 | 70 | 58 |
| 4 | Priya | 95 | 88 | 92 |
| 5 | Quinn | 45 | 52 | 61 |
| 6 | Rosa | 88 | 79 | 84 |
=MIN(D2:D6)Lowest English score
Stock levels (fictional)
| Row | A | B | C | D | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SKU | Item | On hand | Reorder level | Unit cost |
| 2 | A-100 | Hinge 40 mm | 120 | 50 | 0.8 |
| 3 | A-110 | Bracket set | 18 | 30 | 4.2 |
| 4 | A-120 | Oak board | 6 | 10 | 22 |
| 5 | A-130 | Zinc pin | 300 | 100 | 0.15 |
| 6 | A-140 | Door handle | 9 | 12 | 7.5 |
=MIN(C2:C6)Smallest stock level
Try it yourself
Change the formula or switch to other sample data.
Press Calculate to see the result.
The practice box runs in your browser with BDK’s own calculator, which covers about 60 common functions. Cell references work as in Excel (B2, B2:B9). Your formulas are not saved or sent anywhere. For anything unusual, check the result in Excel itself.
How people use MIN at work
- Education
Find the weakest result in a subject.
Data: Class scores (fictional)=MIN(B2:B6) - Finance and accounting
Find the smallest invoice.
Data: Customer invoices (fictional)=MIN(C2:C6)
Common mistakes and tips
- Text is ignored, so MIN of a range with only text returns 0, not an error.
Works in
All versions of Excel, and Google Sheets.
Lessons that use it
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