ExcelFormulas logoExcelFormulas.
Ask AI
Statistical & AnalysisVerified QA Tested

LARGE.

Returns the k-th largest value in a data set.

SyntaxArgumentsExampleInteractive SandboxGeneratorCompatibilityFAQRelatedCheat Sheet
Category: Statistical & Analysis
ExcelExcel 365Excel 2021Excel 2019Google Sheets

How it works.

LARGE returns the value corresponding to a specific rank position from the top of a data set (e.g. 1st, 2nd, or 3rd highest).

Formula syntax.

Standard Excel Notation
=LARGE(array, k)
Tip:Arguments wrapped in square brackets [like_this] are optional; all other arguments are required.

Formula arguments.

Every parameter accepted by the LARGE function is detailed below.

arrayRequired

The array or range of numeric values.

Example value: B2:B6
kRequired

The position from largest to return (1 = top, 2 = second, etc.).

Example value: 2

Simple example.

Step-by-Step Scenario

Tournament - 2nd Place Runner-Up

Find the second highest competition score.

CompetitorScore2nd Place Score
Team Alpha92—
Team Beta85—
Team Gamma78—
Applied Formula
=LARGE(B2:B5, 2)
Expected Result:85

Evaluates LARGE over the sample table cells, placing the verified output in cell C2.

Formula generator.

Full Generator Wizard

Customize the argument fields below to generate a tailored LARGE formula ready to paste directly into your worksheet.

Generated FormulaReady to copy
=LARGE()

Expected result behavior.

Returns number 85 based on sample evaluation criteria and active cell references.

Sample Output:85
Output Type:Numeric (Double/Integer)

Best Practices

  • Create top 3 podium tables: =LARGE($B$2:$B$100, 1), =LARGE($B$2:$B$100, 2), =LARGE($B$2:$B$100, 3).

Common Mistakes

  • If k is greater than the total number of numeric values in the range, or less than 1, LARGE returns #NUM!.
Compatibility Database

Platform & version compatibility.

Verified platform compatibility matrix based on actual spreadsheet calculation engine specifications.

Excel✓
Supported
Excel 365✓
Supported
Excel 2021✓
Supported
Excel 2019✓
Supported
Google Sheets✓
Supported
Microsoft Excel History & Version Availability

Core standard function supported across all modern and legacy Microsoft Excel versions (365, 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010), as well as Excel for the Web and Mac.

Google Sheets Compatibility Notes

100% compatible with Google Sheets. Uses identical argument order, data types, and standard calculation logic.

Frequently asked questions.

Technical Q&A
Can I use LARGE across different worksheets in Excel?↓

Yes. You can reference cells located on other sheets by including the sheet name followed by an exclamation mark, for example: =LARGE(Sheet2!A2:A10). If the sheet name contains spaces, enclose it in single quotes: ='Q1 Report'!A2:A10.

What is the most common reason for errors in LARGE?↓

If k is greater than the total number of numeric values in the range, or less than 1, LARGE returns #NUM!.

Does LARGE work identically in Google Sheets?↓

Yes, LARGE is supported in both Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets with standard evaluation behavior.