Math and statistics
MAX function playground
Returns the largest number in a set of values.
The playground runs in your browser. Nothing you type is sent anywhere.
How MAX works
MAX compares all the numbers and returns the highest one. Text and blank cells in a range are ignored.
On a column of dates, MAX returns the latest date. Combine it with other functions, such as XLOOKUP, to find who made the largest sale.
Syntax
=MAX(number1, [number2], ...)| Argument | What it means |
|---|---|
number1required | The first number, cell or range. |
number2, ...optional | More numbers, cells or ranges. |
Examples
| Formula | What it does | Result |
|---|---|---|
=MAX(F2:F11) | The largest sale. | $4,800.00 |
=MAX(A2:A11) | The most recent date. | 3/30/2026 |
=XLOOKUP(MAX(F2:F11),F2:F11,C2:C11) | Who made the largest sale. | Dev |
=MAX(E2:E11)*2 | Double the largest number of units. | 12 |
Common mistakes
Several equal maximumsMAX only returns the value. If two rows share it, a lookup on that value returns the first one.
Text numbersNumbers stored as text are skipped, so the true largest value might be missed.
Related functions
Learn more
Download the example workbook (.xlsx)
The workbook has the same sample data and formulas, plus a practice sheet.