LARGE function
LARGE returns the k-th largest value in a range: k = 1 is the largest, 2 the second largest, and so on. It's the standard way to build a top 3 or top 10 list, and unlike MAX it can reach past the first place. Duplicate values each take their own position.
- Available in
- Every current version
- Category
- Statistical functions
- Returns
- The k-th largest number, or #NUM! if k is less than 1 or more than the number of values.
- Google Sheets
- Also available in Google Sheets.
Syntax
=LARGE(array, k)
| Argument | Required? | What it is |
|---|---|---|
array | Required | The range or list of numbers to look in. |
k | Required | Which position to return, counting from the largest (1 = largest). |
Examples
Each result below is calculated from the sample sheet by our formula engine, the same one that grades the practice.
| Cell | Formula | Result | What it shows |
|---|---|---|---|
| F2 | =LARGE(B2:B8,1) | $51,750 | The largest value, same as MAX |
| F3 | =LARGE(B2:B8,2) | $48,200 | The second-highest sales total |
| F4 | =SUM(LARGE(B2:B8,{1,2,3})) | $146,750 | An array of k values sums the top three at once |
Try it live
This is the sample sheet. Change any number or text, or edit a formula, and the results update.
Show the sample data as a table
| Rep | Sales | Check | Result | ||
| Ana | $48,200 | Top seller | $51,750 | ||
| Raj | $39,500 | Second place | $48,200 | ||
| Lee | $51,750 | Top three combined | $146,750 | ||
| Kim | $44,100 | ||||
| Mo | $39,500 | ||||
| Ivy | $28,900 | ||||
| Sam | $46,800 |
Practice LARGE
From lesson 23, RANK, LARGE & SMALL. Graded instantly, then re-checked on changed data.
Top three values
F2, return the k-th largest sale using the k in E2. Fill down to F4.Common mistakes
| What you see | Why, and how to fix it |
|---|---|
| #NUM! | k is bigger than the number of values in the range, or less than 1. Check the size of the list. |
| The same number appears twice in a top list | Duplicates each take a position, so two reps tied at $39,500 fill places 5 and 6. That's correct. |
| The wrong range after filling down | Lock the array with $, such as $B$2:$B$8, when k comes from a cell that changes row by row. |
Tips
- Put 1, 2, 3 in a helper column and use =LARGE($B$2:$B$8,D2) to build a top-N table you can fill down.
- Pair with XLOOKUP to return the name that goes with each top value.
Questions
How do I find the second highest value in Excel?
Use =LARGE(range,2).
How do I get the name of the top performer?
Look it up from the value: =XLOOKUP(LARGE(B2:B8,1),B2:B8,A2:A8). Ties return the first match.
Lessons that use LARGE
Last reviewed October 2026. Every example result on this page is calculated live by the Spreadsheet Practice formula engine.