=MIN(number1, [number2], ...)One free generation or explanation per browser, shared across Excel and Google Sheets. Account usage limits apply afterward.
Need more than a single MIN formula? Try our free AI for Excel — it reads your entire spreadsheet, answers questions in plain English, and builds charts and analysis in the same chat.
number1:
The first number or range of cells that you want to evaluate for the minimum value.
number2:
An optional additional number or range of cells that you want to evaluate for the minimum value. You can include up to 255 additional numbers or ranges.
The MIN function in Excel is a straightforward yet powerful tool that allows you to find the smallest value in a range of cells. It evaluates a specified range and returns the minimum number, making it an essential function for data analysis and reporting.
In simpler terms, the MIN function helps you quickly identify the lowest value in a dataset, which can be useful for various analytical purposes.
Imagine you are tracking the scores of students in a class, and you have the following data in an Excel spreadsheet:
| Student | Score |
|---|---|
| Alice | 85 |
| Bob | 92 |
| Charlie | 78 |
| David | 88 |
| Eve | 95 |
You want to find the lowest score in the class.
To calculate the minimum score, you would use the MIN formula as follows:
=MIN(B2:B6)When you apply the formula, it evaluates the scores and returns the lowest score. The output would be:
| Lowest Score |
|---|
| 78 |
Here, the lowest score is identified as 78, which belongs to Charlie.
The MIN function is particularly useful when you need to quickly determine the smallest value in a dataset without manually scanning through the data. It allows you to efficiently assess performance, costs, or any numerical data where identifying the minimum is essential.
Understanding how to use the MIN function can significantly enhance your data analysis capabilities in Excel, enabling you to extract meaningful insights from your datasets.
Happy calculating!
You have a table where Column A contains the names of different products and Column B contains their corresponding inventory levels. You can use the MIN function to identify the product with the lowest inventory level. This helps in managing stock effectively and ensures timely reordering of products that are running low, thus preventing stockouts and maintaining customer satisfaction.
Beyond the MIN function: Better Analyst is a full Excel AI that goes well past individual formulas. Upload any spreadsheet and ask questions in plain English — you'll get formulas, data analysis, and charts back in seconds. It's a free AI Excel assistant that works with any .xlsx, .xls, or .csv file — no plugins, no Microsoft 365 required.
Don't have a spreadsheet yet? Use our free AI spreadsheet generator to turn a text prompt into a downloadable Excel file — a full AI Excel sheet maker that builds headers, columns, and formulas from your description.
Create a free account for formula help, explanations, and spreadsheet analysis. Usage limits depend on your plan.
Browse our complete library of Excel formula guides
Compare your options
Open a neutral research prompt in the AI tool you already use. Compare capabilities, limitations, and fit before you choose.
AI answers can be incomplete. Check source links, current pricing, and product documentation before deciding.