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SMALL.

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

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

How it works.

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

Formula syntax.

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

Formula arguments.

Every parameter accepted by the SMALL function is detailed below.

arrayRequired

The array or range of numeric values.

Example value: B2:B6
kRequired

The position from smallest to return (1 = lowest, 2 = second lowest).

Example value: 1

Simple example.

Step-by-Step Scenario

Procurement - Lowest Bids

Find the lowest bid submitted for a contract tender.

SupplierBid ($k)Winning Lowest Bid
Supplier 118.2—
Supplier 214.5—
Supplier 321.0—
Applied Formula
=SMALL(B2:B5, 1)
Expected Result:14.5

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

Generated FormulaReady to copy
=SMALL()

Expected result behavior.

Returns number 14.5 based on sample evaluation criteria and active cell references.

Sample Output:14.5
Output Type:Numeric (Double/Integer)

Best Practices

  • Useful for finding the fastest race lap times or lowest bids in an auction.

Common Mistakes

  • If k is greater than the count of numbers in the array, SMALL 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 SMALL 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: =SMALL(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 SMALL?↓

If k is greater than the count of numbers in the array, SMALL returns #NUM!.

Does SMALL work identically in Google Sheets?↓

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