MIN Function in Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, OpenOffice Calc, and Apple Numbers returns the smallest value in a group of numbers.
Mathematically, the MIN of any set of numbers is the smallest value in a given range of numbers. For example, 10,23,32,15 are a set of numbers. We can easily spot the smallest number in the data set. But when we need to find a minimum number in a large data set, then finding the smallest value manually in a range of data is lengthy and tiring.
Therefore, to find the minimum value, we can use MIN Function in spreadsheet programs like Microsoft Excel, OpenOffice Calc, Google Sheets, and Apple Mac Numbers. MIN Function finds the minimum value from a predefined range of cells.
By using MIN Function, you can compute the smallest value from massive datasets, analyze statistics, perform budgeting, and compare values quite easily. Moreover, this function falls under the statistical function category in spreadsheets. It can be easily used in spreadsheets for mathematical programs.
You can also check out other Spreadsheet Functions like CEILING Function, MAX Function, NUMBERTEXT, SpellNumber, and SpellNumber Indian Rupees on our Functions Page.
So, let us figure out how to use MIN Function in each spreadsheet program.
Table of Contents
How To Use the MIN Function in Microsoft Excel?
“MIN” stands for “Minimum” which means the smallest value in a group of numbers.
This function measures the smallest or minimum value within a range of selected cells.
MIN Function ignores the empty cells, logical values, or text in the array or reference. But, it includes the cells with the value “0”.
Arguments that are error values or text that can’t be translated into numbers can be errors.
You can use MINA Function when you want to include logical values, and text representations of numbers in a reference as a part of calculations.
To use the MIN Function in Microsoft Excel enter the formula = MIN(cell reference, cell range, number) or whatever your range is.
For example, if you want to get the smallest value of A1 to A5 cells then you would enter =MIN (A1:A5) and press enter to get the result.
Syntax
=MIN(number1, [number2], …)
Where:
Number: MIN(12,25,35,18,23, 22, 16, 31, 28)
Cell Reference: MIN( A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, B3)
Cell Range: MIN(A1:A20)
Formula: MIN(SUM(A1:A10),SUM(A11:A20)))
How To Use the MIN Function in Google Sheets?
To use the MIN Function in Google Sheets, you must enter the formula = MIN( cell reference or range) into a cell. Replace the cell reference with the cell that you want to find the smallest value.
To use this function and find the smallest value, it is necessary to have more than one argument. If someone inserts only one argument the result will be the number itself.
For example, if you want to count the minimum value of A1 to A5 cells then you would enter =MIN (A1:A5) and press enter to get the result.
Syntax
=MIN(value1, [value2, …])
Where:
Value: MIN(12,25,35,18,23, 22, 16, 31, 28)
Cell Reference: MIN( A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, B3)
Cell Range: MIN(A1:A20)
Formula: MIN(SUM(A1:A10),SUM(A11:A20)))
How To Use the MIN Function in Apple Numbers?
To use the MIN Function in Google Sheets, you must enter the formula = MIN(A1:A5) into a cell. Replace the cell reference with the cell that you want to find the smallest value.
Make sure you separate each cell or the selected range of the cells with (,). After adding the value with the semicolon close the formula with a closing parenthesis ()) and press Enter.
For example, if you want to count the minimum value of A1 to A5 cells then you would enter =MIN (A1:A5) and press enter to get the result.
Syntax
MIN(value, value…)
Where:
Number: MIN(12,25,35,18,23, 22, 16, 31, 28)
Cell Reference: MIN( A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, B3)
Cell Range: MIN(A1:A20)
Formula: MIN(SUM(A1:A10),SUM(A11:A20)))
How To Use the MIN Function in OpenOffice Calc Numbers?
To use the MIN Function in OpenOffice Calc, you must enter the formula = MIN(number1; number2; … number30) into a cell. Replace the cell reference with the cell that you want to find the smallest value.
Make sure you separate each cell or the selected range of the cells with a semi-colon (;) instead of (:) colon. After adding the value with the semicolon close the formula with a closing parenthesis ()) and press Enter.
For example, if you want to count the minimum value of A1 to A5 cells then you would enter =MIN (A1:A5) and press enter to get the result.
Syntax
MIN(number1; number2; … number30)
Where:
Number: MIN(12; 25:35;18;23; 22; 16; 31; 28)
Cell Reference: MIN( A1; A2; A3; B1; B2; B3)
Cell Range: MIN(A1:A20)
Formula: MIN(SUM(A1:A10);SUM(A11:A20)))
Possible Errors
#VALUE! error: This error occurs when the MIN function is used on a range of cells that do not have any numeric value. The MIN function finds the minimum value of numbers, so it will return this error if it encounters non-numeric values.
#NUM! error: This error occurs when the MIN function is applied to empty cells or cells that have error values.
#NAME? error: This error occurs when the MIN function is misspelled or not recognized by the software.
Incorrect range error: This error occurs when the range of cells specified in the MIN function is invalid. If the MIN function is used with a range that does not exist on the spreadsheet or is misspelled, it can result in an incorrect range error.
If you are looking for a way to fix these errors then ensure the formula and the cell reference used in the function are right. You need to be sure that the cell reference in the MIN Function contains a number.
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