The Excel RANK.EQ function returns the rank of a number within a list of numbers. When values tie, each one receives the same top rank — the behaviour of the classic RANK function.
Syntax
| Argument | Description | |
|---|---|---|
number | Required | The value whose rank you want to find. |
ref | Required | The array or range of numbers to rank against. Non-numeric values are ignored. |
order | Optional | 0 or omitted = descending (largest is rank 1); any non-zero value = ascending (smallest is rank 1). |
How to use it
RANK.EQ ranks a value against a set of numbers, defaulting to descending order — the largest number is rank 1.
When numbers tie, RANK.EQ gives each the highest rank in the tied group, then skips the next rank(s). Here both 5s are rank 2, and the next value (2) is rank 4 — rank 3 is skipped.
Need fractional ties? RANK.AVG returns the average rank for tied values (2.5 instead of 2 here), which is better for percentile-style scoring.
Try it: interactive demo
Pick a RANK.EQ example to see the formula and its result.
Practice workbook
Frequently asked questions
How does RANK.EQ handle ties?
What is the difference between RANK.EQ and RANK.AVG?
Is RANK.EQ the same as the old RANK function?
How do I rank from smallest to largest?
=RANK.EQ(number, ref, 1) ranks ascending so the smallest value is rank 1.Master functions like this in one day
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