ExcelFormulas logoExcelFormulas.
Ask AI
Statistical & AnalysisVerified QA Tested

MAX.

Returns the largest (maximum) numeric value in a set of values.

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

How it works.

MAX scans a range or list of numbers and returns the highest numeric value.

Formula syntax.

Standard Excel Notation
=MAX(number1, [number2], ...)
Tip:Arguments wrapped in square brackets [like_this] are optional; all other arguments are required.

Formula arguments.

Every parameter accepted by the MAX function is detailed below.

number1Required

First number or range to scan.

Example value: B2:B5

Simple example.

Step-by-Step Scenario

Sales Leaderboard - Highest Volume

Identify the top single rep sales volume.

Sales RepClosed DealsTop Performance
Sarah74—
Michael98—
Jessica65—
Applied Formula
=MAX(B2:B5)
Expected Result:98

Evaluates MAX 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 MAX formula ready to paste directly into your worksheet.

Generated FormulaReady to copy
=MAX()

Expected result behavior.

Returns number 98 based on sample evaluation criteria and active cell references.

Sample Output:98
Output Type:Numeric (Double/Integer)

Best Practices

  • Enforce minimum thresholds: =MAX(0, Balance) guarantees calculations never drop below zero.

Common Mistakes

  • Blank cells inside the range are ignored.
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 MAX 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: =MAX(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 MAX?↓

Blank cells inside the range are ignored.

Does MAX work identically in Google Sheets?↓

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