How it works.
MIN scans a range or list of numbers and returns the lowest numeric value.
Formula syntax.
Standard Excel Notation=MIN(number1, [number2], ...)[like_this] are optional; all other arguments are required.Formula arguments.
Every parameter accepted by the MIN function is detailed below.
First number or range to scan.
Example value:B2:B5Simple example.
Step-by-Step ScenarioInventory Pricing - Lowest Unit Cost
Find the lowest vendor price in a supplier quote table.
| Vendor | Quote Price | Lowest Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor A | 24.50 | — |
| Vendor B | 18.00 | — |
| Vendor C | 22.00 | — |
=MIN(B2:B5)Evaluates MIN over the sample table cells, placing the verified output in cell C2.
Formula generator.
Full Generator WizardCustomize the argument fields below to generate a tailored MIN formula ready to paste directly into your worksheet.
=MIN()Expected result behavior.
Returns number 18 based on sample evaluation criteria and active cell references.
Best Practices
- Combine with MAX to establish dynamic range bounds in calculations.
Common Mistakes
- MIN ignores text and blank cells inside ranges, but text passed as direct arguments returns #VALUE!.
Platform & version compatibility.
Verified platform compatibility matrix based on actual spreadsheet calculation engine specifications.
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.
100% compatible with Google Sheets. Uses identical argument order, data types, and standard calculation logic.
Frequently asked questions.
Technical Q&ACan I use MIN 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: =MIN(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 MIN?↓
MIN ignores text and blank cells inside ranges, but text passed as direct arguments returns #VALUE!.
Does MIN work identically in Google Sheets?↓
Yes, MIN is supported in both Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets with standard evaluation behavior.