Excel MIN Function
MIN returns the smallest numeric value from the numbers or ranges you provide.
Use it to find the lowest score, earliest date, smallest sale, shortest duration, or any other minimum value in a dataset.
MIN syntax & arguments
Syntax
=MIN(number1, [number2], ...)
-
1
number1
RequiredThe first number, cell reference, or range to compare.
-
2
number2
Optional RepeatableAdditional numbers, cell references, or ranges to compare.
Example
=MIN(E2:E25)
Return the smallest numeric value in E2:E25.
MIN caveats
MIN finds the lowest number, which can be different from the lowest visible or meaningful value in the sheet.
-
Text in referenced cells is ignored
Numbers stored as text do not compete for the minimum when they are inside a referenced range.
-
Dates are numbers
When dates are included, MIN returns the earliest date because earlier dates have smaller serial numbers.
-
No numeric values returns 0
If the supplied arguments contain no numbers, MIN returns
0, which can look like a real minimum. -
Errors stop the result
Error values in the referenced data cause MIN to return an error.
Need conditions? Use MINIFS when the minimum should be calculated only for matching rows.
Intro MIN practice problem
Solve the intro problem directly here, or open it on its own page.
Advanced MIN practice problems
Use MIN alongside other Excel functions in realistic, less-prescriptive challenges.
