# Google Sheets MINA Function: Syntax, Examples & Tips

- URL: https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/mina-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 MINA function returns the smallest value in a set of values, treating text as zero and ignoring logical values.

```
MINA(value1, value2)
```

Generate FormulaExplain Formula

One free generation or explanation per browser, shared across Excel and Google Sheets. Account usage limits apply afterward.

Describe the MINA you need in plain EnglishGenerate Formula

## Parameters

**`value1`**:\
The first value or cell reference that you want to evaluate for determining the minimum.

**`value2`**:\
The second value or cell reference that you want to evaluate for determining the minimum.

## What is a MINA Google Sheets Formula?

The *MINA* function in Google Sheets is a useful tool that returns the smallest numeric value in a range, while also considering logical values (TRUE and FALSE) as well as text representations of numbers. This makes it a more inclusive option compared to the standard MIN function, which only considers numeric values.

In simpler terms, MINA allows you to find the minimum value in a dataset, taking into account all types of entries, including logical values and text that can be interpreted as numbers.

## A Practical Example

Imagine you are analyzing a dataset of employee performance scores stored in a Google Sheets document:

### Employee Scores Table:

| EmployeeID | Score |
| - | - |
| 1 | 85 |
| 2 | 90 |
| 3 | TRUE |
| 4 | 78 |
| 5 | "80" |

You want to find the lowest score among these employees, including the logical values and text.

## MINA Formula

To achieve this, you would use the MINA function as follows:

```
=MINA(B2:B6)
```

In this formula:

- `B2:B6` is the range containing the scores of the employees.

## Result of the Formula

When you apply the MINA formula to the Employee Scores Table, the output would be:

| EmployeeID | Score |
| - | - |
| 1 | 85 |
| 2 | 90 |
| 3 | TRUE |
| 4 | 78 |
| 5 | "80" |
| **Minimum Score** | **78** |

In this case, the MINA function returns **78** as the minimum score, as it considers TRUE as 1 and ignores it in the comparison for the minimum value.

## Why Use MINA?

MINA is beneficial because it allows for a more comprehensive analysis of datasets that may include logical values and text representations of numbers. This flexibility can be particularly useful in scenarios where data is not consistently formatted, ensuring that you do not miss out on relevant values.

## Key Takeaways:

- **MINA**: A Google Sheets function that finds the smallest value in a range, including logical values and text representations of numbers.
- **Inclusive**: Considers all types of entries, making it suitable for diverse datasets.
- **Comprehensive Analysis**: Ensures that all relevant values are taken into account, leading to more accurate results.
- **Common Use Cases**: Ideal for performance analysis, survey results, and any scenario where data may be inconsistently formatted.

MINA is an essential function for anyone working with varied data types in Google Sheets, providing a powerful way to enhance data analysis and reporting capabilities.

Happy spreadsheeting!

## Example use case

You have a table with sales data in Column A, including both numbers and text. Using the MINA formula, you can find the minimum value, ignoring any text entries. This helps you quickly identify the lowest sales figure, ensuring accurate performance analysis.

## Need more help with Google Sheets formulas?

Sign up for Better Analyst and get unlimited AI-powered formula generation, explanations, and advanced data analysis.

[Create Free Account](https://betteranalyst.com/signup)[Try Formula Generator](https://betteranalyst.com/excel-ai)

## Google Sheets how-to guides

- [How To Insert Multiple Rows In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-insert-multiple-rows-in-google-sheets)
- [How To Lock A Row In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-lock-a-row-in-google-sheets)
- [How To Lock Cells In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-lock-cells-in-google-sheets)
- [How To Make A Copy Of An Google Sheets Sheet](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-make-a-copy-of-an-google-sheets-sheet)
- [How To Make A Graph In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-make-a-graph-in-google-sheets)
- [How To Make A Histogram In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-make-a-histogram-in-google-sheets)
- [How To Make A Line Graph In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-make-a-line-graph-in-google-sheets)
- [How To Make A Pie Chart In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-make-a-pie-chart-in-google-sheets)

## Explore all Google Sheets formulas

Browse our complete library of Google Sheets formula guides

Compare your options

## Decide with evidence, not a sales pitch.

Open a neutral research prompt in the AI tool you already use. Compare capabilities, limitations, and fit before you choose.

1. [01ChatGPTOpen a balanced comparison prompt in ChatGPT.](https://chatgpt.com/?prompt=Compare%20Better%20Analyst%20with%20using%20a%20general-purpose%20AI%20assistant%20for%20data%20analysis.%20Evaluate%20spreadsheet%20and%20document%20analysis%2C%20dashboards%2C%20repeatable%20reports%2C%20code%20transparency%2C%20data%20connections%2C%20pricing%2C%20and%20limitations.%20Use%20current%20public%20sources%2C%20distinguish%20verified%20facts%20from%20assumptions%2C%20and%20explain%20which%20types%20of%20users%20each%20option%20fits%20best.)
2. [02ClaudeOpen the same research prompt in Claude.](https://claude.ai/new?q=Compare%20Better%20Analyst%20with%20using%20a%20general-purpose%20AI%20assistant%20for%20data%20analysis.%20Evaluate%20spreadsheet%20and%20document%20analysis%2C%20dashboards%2C%20repeatable%20reports%2C%20code%20transparency%2C%20data%20connections%2C%20pricing%2C%20and%20limitations.%20Use%20current%20public%20sources%2C%20distinguish%20verified%20facts%20from%20assumptions%2C%20and%20explain%20which%20types%20of%20users%20each%20option%20fits%20best.)
3. [03PerplexityResearch the comparison with linked web sources.](https://www.perplexity.ai/search?q=Compare%20Better%20Analyst%20with%20using%20a%20general-purpose%20AI%20assistant%20for%20data%20analysis.%20Evaluate%20spreadsheet%20and%20document%20analysis%2C%20dashboards%2C%20repeatable%20reports%2C%20code%20transparency%2C%20data%20connections%2C%20pricing%2C%20and%20limitations.%20Use%20current%20public%20sources%2C%20distinguish%20verified%20facts%20from%20assumptions%2C%20and%20explain%20which%20types%20of%20users%20each%20option%20fits%20best.)

AI answers can be incomplete. Check source links, current pricing, and product documentation before deciding.
