How to Use MIN Function in Excel: Syntax and Examples

Use the MIN function in Excel to find the smallest number in a range or list of values. Enter =MIN(range) where range is the cells you want to check, and Excel returns the smallest value.

Syntax

The MIN function syntax is simple:

• MIN(number1, [number2], ...)

number1, number2, ... are numbers or cell references containing numbers. You can enter individual numbers, cell references, or ranges.

excel

=MIN(A1:A5)

Output

Returns the smallest number in cells A1 through A5

Example

This example finds the smallest number in cells A1 to A5, which contain the values 10, 5, 8, 3, and 12.

excel

A1: 10
A2: 5
A3: 8
A4: 3
A5: 12

In cell B1, enter:
=MIN(A1:A5)

Output

3

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when using MIN include:

• Including empty cells or text values, which Excel ignores but can cause confusion.
• Using MIN on cells with errors, which returns an error.
• Forgetting to use a range or mixing incompatible data types.

Correct usage always involves numeric values or ranges containing numbers.

excel

Wrong: =MIN(A1, "text", A3)
Right: =MIN(A1, A3, A5)

Output

Returns smallest numeric value ignoring text

Quick Reference

Function	Description	Example
MIN	Returns smallest number in range	=MIN(A1:A10)
MIN with numbers	Find smallest among numbers	=MIN(5, 10, 3)
MIN ignoring text	Ignores text and empty cells	=MIN(A1:A5)
MIN with errors	Returns error if any cell has error	=MIN(A1:A5)

Key Takeaways

Use =MIN(range) to find the smallest number in a range of cells.

MIN ignores empty cells and text but returns error if any cell has an error.

You can list numbers directly or use cell references and ranges.

Always ensure your range contains numeric values for accurate results.