MIN function
MIN returns the smallest number from a list of values or ranges. It's the quick way to find the lowest quote, the earliest date or the shortest time, and paired with a fixed number it also works as a cap that keeps a result from going above a limit.
- Available in
- Every current version
- Category
- Statistical functions
- Returns
- The smallest number, or 0 if the ranges contain no numbers.
- Google Sheets
- Also available in Google Sheets.
Syntax
=MIN(number1, [number2], ...)
| Argument | Required? | What it is |
|---|---|---|
number1 | Required | The first number, cell or range to check. |
number2 | Optional | More numbers, cells or ranges, up to 255 in total. |
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 | =MIN(B2:B5) | $1,180 | Lowest quote; Corvid's missing quote is ignored |
| F3 | =MIN(C2:C5) | 7 | Shortest lead time in days |
| F4 | =MIN(B5,1200) | $1,200 | Caps Dunmore's quote at a $1,200 budget by taking the smaller value |
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
| Supplier | Quote | Lead days | Check | Result | |
| Acme | $1,250 | 14 | Lowest quote | $1,180 | |
| Brightline | $1,180 | 21 | Shortest lead time | 7 | |
| Corvid | 10 | Dunmore capped | $1,200 | ||
| Dunmore | $1,320 | 7 |
Practice MIN
From lesson 2, SUM, AVERAGE, MIN, MAX & COUNT. Graded instantly, then re-checked on changed data.
Average, best and worst
E3 (average daily sales), E4 (best day) and E5 (worst day), each from B2:B8.Common mistakes
| What you see | Why, and how to fix it |
|---|---|
| MIN returns 0 | Either the range really contains a 0, or there are no numbers at all, for example because they are stored as text. |
| A blank cell isn't treated as zero | MIN skips empty cells in a range, which is usually right. If a blank should count as 0, enter the 0. |
| The wrong date comes back | Dates stored as text aren't numbers, so MIN skips them. Check that the dates are right-aligned. |
Tips
- To find the smallest value that meets a condition, use MINIFS rather than a filter.
- MIN(value, limit) caps a value; MAX(value, floor) sets a floor. Together they clamp a number into a range.
Questions
How do I find the minimum but ignore zeros?
Use =MINIFS(B2:B5,B2:B5,">0") in Excel 2019 or later.
Can MIN find the earliest date?
Yes. Dates are stored as numbers, so MIN returns the earliest one. Format the result as a date.
Lessons that use MIN
Last reviewed October 2026. Every example result on this page is calculated live by the Spreadsheet Practice formula engine.