Math and statistics
MIN function playground
Returns the smallest number in a set of values.
The playground runs in your browser. Nothing you type is sent anywhere.
How MIN works
MIN compares all the numbers and returns the lowest one. Text and blank cells in a range are ignored.
Because dates are numbers, MIN on a column of dates returns the earliest date. If there are no numbers, MIN returns 0.
Syntax
=MIN(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 |
|---|---|---|
=MIN(F2:F11) | The smallest sale. | $500.00 |
=MIN(E2:E11) | The fewest units in one sale. | 1 |
=MIN(A2:A11) | The earliest date (it shows as a date). | 1/5/2026 |
=MAX(F2:F11)-MIN(F2:F11) | The range between the largest and smallest sale. | $4,300.00 |
Common mistakes
A 0 you didn't expectIf the range has no numbers, MIN returns 0. Check for numbers stored as text.
Blanks are not zerosEmpty cells are skipped, so they never become the minimum.
Related functions
Learn more
Download the example workbook (.xlsx)
The workbook has the same sample data and formulas, plus a practice sheet.