The `MIN` function in Excel is used to find the smallest number in a range of cells. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use it:
Syntax
MIN(number1, [number2], ...)
- number1: This is the required first number, cell reference, or range from which you want to find the minimum value.
- [number2], …: These are optional additional numbers, cell references, or ranges.
Steps to Use the MIN Function
- Open Excel: Launch Excel and open your worksheet.
- Select a Cell: Click on the cell where you want the result of the `MIN` function to appear.
- Enter the Function:
- Type `=MIN(`.
- Select the range of cells you want to evaluate for the smallest number, or type numbers directly separated by commas if you are using specific, known values.
- For example:
- To find the minimum value in a range of cells B2 through B10, you would enter: `=MIN(B2:B10)`
- To find the minimum value among specific numbers or cells, you could use: `=MIN(10, 20, 30, 5)` or `=MIN(A1, A3, A5)`.
- Close the Parenthesis: Type `)` to close the function.
- Press Enter: Hit the Enter key to execute the function. The cell will display the smallest number from your specified arguments.
Tips
- The `MIN` function ignores empty cells, text, or logical values like TRUE and FALSE.
- If a cell in the range contains an error, the `MIN` function will return that error.
- You can nest the `MIN` function within other functions when you’re performing more complex calculations.
Example Usage
If you have a set of numbers in cells A1 through A5 and you want to find the smallest number, use:
=MIN(A1:A5)
This function will scan the range A1 to A5 and return the smallest number found.
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