# Excel SMALL Function: Syntax, Examples & Tips - URL: https://betteranalyst.com/excel/small-function - Author: Better Analyst Formula Bot is now Better Analyst—same account, more powerful analysis.Formula Bot is now Better Analyst—same account and workflows, with more powerful analysis, dashboards, and automation. [Learn what changed](https://betteranalyst.com/formula-bot-is-now-better-analyst) The SMALL function retrieves the k-th smallest value from a specified array, helping to analyze data efficiently in Excel. ```excel =SMALL(array, k) ``` Generate FormulaExplain Formula One free generation or explanation per browser, shared across Excel and Google Sheets. Account usage limits apply afterward. Describe the SMALL you need in plain EnglishGenerate Formula Need more than a single SMALL formula? Try our free [AI for Excel](https://betteranalyst.com/excel-ai) — it reads your entire spreadsheet, answers questions in plain English, and builds charts and analysis in the same chat. ## Parameters **`array`**:\ The range of cells or array from which you want to find the k-th smallest value. **`k`**:\ The position (from the smallest) in the array of the value you want to return. This must be a positive integer. ## What is a SMALL Formula in Excel? The *SMALL* function in Excel is a useful tool that allows you to find the nth smallest value in a range of data. It evaluates a set of numbers and returns the value that corresponds to the specified position (n) in the sorted order of the data. In simpler terms, the SMALL function helps you identify specific values from a dataset based on their rank, making it easier to analyze and interpret data. ## A Practical Example Imagine you are analyzing the scores of students in a class, and you have the following data in an Excel spreadsheet: ### Student Scores Table: | Student | Score | | - | - | | Alice | 85 | | Bob | 92 | | Charlie | 78 | | David | 88 | | Eve | 95 | You want to find the second smallest score in the class. ## SMALL Formula To calculate the second smallest score, you would use the SMALL formula as follows: ```excel =SMALL(B2:B6, 2) ``` ### Breakdown of the Formula: - **B2:B6**: This is the range of scores from which you want to find the nth smallest value. - **2**: This is the position (n) that indicates you want the second smallest value. ## Result of the Formula When you apply the formula, it returns the second smallest score from the dataset. The output would be: | Second Smallest Score | | - | | 85 | Here, the second smallest score is identified as 85, which belongs to Alice. ## Why Use SMALL? The SMALL function is particularly useful when you need to analyze data by identifying specific values based on their rank. It allows you to quickly find the lowest scores, expenses, or any other metrics that require ranking, making it easier to derive insights from your data. ## Key Takeaways: - **SMALL**: Finds the nth smallest value in a specified range. - **Efficient Data Analysis**: Helps you quickly identify specific values based on their rank. - **Common Use Cases**: Ideal for academic performance analysis, financial data assessment, and any scenario where ranking is important. Understanding how to use the SMALL function can significantly enhance your data analysis capabilities in Excel, enabling you to extract meaningful insights from your datasets. Happy calculating! ## Example use case You have a table where Column A contains student names and Column B contains their corresponding exam scores. You can use the SMALL function to find the lowest exam score among the students. This allows for identifying students who may need additional support or resources to improve their performance, facilitating targeted interventions without the need for complex analysis. **Beyond the SMALL function:** Better Analyst is a full [Excel AI](https://betteranalyst.com/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](https://betteranalyst.com/excel-ai) that works with any .xlsx, .xls, or .csv file — no plugins, no Microsoft 365 required. Don't have a spreadsheet yet? 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[Create Free Account](https://betteranalyst.com/signup)[Try Formula Generator](https://betteranalyst.com/excel-ai) ## Excel how-to guides - [Excel Conditional Formatting](https://betteranalyst.com/excel/excel-conditional-formatting) - [How To Add A Column In Excel](https://betteranalyst.com/excel/how-to-add-a-column-in-excel) - [How To Alphabetize In Excel](https://betteranalyst.com/excel/how-to-alphabetize-in-excel) - [How To Autofit In Excel](https://betteranalyst.com/excel/how-to-autofit-in-excel) - [How To Calculate Percentage In Excel](https://betteranalyst.com/excel/how-to-calculate-percentage-in-excel) - [How To Combine Two Columns In Excel](https://betteranalyst.com/excel/how-to-combine-two-columns-in-excel) - [How To Copy Formula In Excel](https://betteranalyst.com/excel/how-to-copy-formula-in-excel) - [How To Count Unique Values In Excel](https://betteranalyst.com/excel/how-to-count-unique-values-in-excel) ## Explore all Excel formulas Browse our complete library of Excel formula guides Compare your options ## Decide with evidence, not a sales pitch. 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