MIN and MAX functions in Google Sheets - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

MIN and MAX functions help you find the smallest or largest number in a list. They save time when you want to quickly see the lowest or highest value in your data.

When you want to find the lowest sales number in a month.

When you need to know the highest score in a class test.

When checking the smallest or largest expense in your budget.

When comparing temperatures to find the coldest or hottest day.

When summarizing data to find minimum or maximum values quickly.

Steps

Step 1: Click

- a blank cell where you want the result

The cell is selected and ready for input

Step 2: Type

- the selected cell

The formula starts appearing in the cell

💡 Start with an equal sign (=) to tell Sheets you are entering a formula

Step 3: Type

- the formula bar or cell

The formula is complete and ready to calculate

💡 For minimum, type =MIN(range). For maximum, type =MAX(range). Replace 'range' with your data cells, for example A1:A10

Step 4: Press

- Enter key

The cell shows the smallest or largest number from the selected range

Step 5: Click

- the cell with the formula

The formula appears in the formula bar for review or editing

Before vs After

Before

Column A has numbers: 5, 3, 8, 2, 7 in cells A1 to A5

After

Cell B1 shows 2 when formula =MIN(A1:A5) is entered; Cell B2 shows 8 when formula =MAX(A1:A5) is entered

Settings Reference

Range selection

📍 Inside the formula parentheses

Defines which cells to check for minimum or maximum values

Default: No default, user must specify

Common Mistakes

Typing the formula without the equal sign, like MIN(A1:A5)

Sheets treats it as text, not a formula, so no calculation happens

Always start formulas with an equal sign, like =MIN(A1:A5)

Selecting empty cells or cells with text in the range

Empty or text cells are ignored, which might give unexpected results if you expect them counted

Select only cells with numbers or be aware that non-numeric cells are skipped

Summary

MIN finds the smallest number in a range; MAX finds the largest.

Always start the formula with an equal sign (=).

Select the correct range of cells containing numbers to get accurate results.