MIN Function

All versions Statistical

The Excel MIN function returns the smallest number in a set of values, cells, or ranges — the counterpart to MAX.

Quick answer:

=MIN({3,5,1,8,2}) smallest value = 1

Syntax

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

Argument		Description
`number1`	Required	The first number, cell reference, or range to evaluate.
`number2, ...`	Optional	Up to 254 additional numbers or ranges. MIN returns the smallest across all of them.

How to use it

MIN returns the lowest number from everything you pass it. Mix literals, cells, and ranges freely — it considers them all together.

=MIN({3,5,1,8,2}) // smallest = 1

=MIN(A1:A10) // lowest in the range

=MIN(A1:A10, 0) // floor the result at 0

Text, logical values, and empty cells inside a referenced range are ignored. If you do want logical values (TRUE=1, FALSE=0) counted, use MINA instead. For a conditional minimum, reach for MINIFS (Excel 2019+).

Clamp a value: pair MIN with MAX to keep a number inside a range. =MIN(MAX(x, 0), 100) forces x to stay between 0 and 100.

Try it: interactive demo

Live demo

Pick a MIN example to see the formula and its result.

example

Result:

Practice workbook

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Frequently asked questions

Does MIN count empty cells as zero?

No. Blank cells in a referenced range are ignored, so MIN won't return 0 just because some cells are empty. (An explicit 0 in the data is counted.)

How do I find the minimum that meets a condition?

Use MINIFS (Excel 2019+): =MINIFS(B2:B100, A2:A100, "East"). On older versions use an array formula =MIN(IF(...)) with Ctrl+Shift+Enter.

Does MIN include text or logical values?

MIN ignores text and logical values inside a range. To include logicals (TRUE=1, FALSE=0), use MINA instead.

How is MIN different from SMALL?

MIN returns the single smallest value. SMALL returns the k-th smallest — =SMALL(range,1) equals MIN, while =SMALL(range,2) gives the second-smallest.

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Related functions: MAX · MINA · MINIFS · SMALL · MEDIAN · MAXIFS