MS Excel: MIN Function (Beginner to Advanced)

The MIN function is the opposite of the MAX function: it helps you quickly find the smallest value in a list or range of numbers.

Beginner Level

The MIN function returns the smallest numeric value from the numbers provided.

Syntax:

=MIN(number1, [number2], ...)

• number1, number2, ... — these are the numbers or ranges you want to find the minimum value from.

  
  

Example:

=MIN(8, 23, 5, 17)

Result: 5

=MIN(A1:A5)

If A1:A5 = {15, 7, 22, 3, 18},Result: 3

Intermediate Level

MIN with Multiple Ranges

You can find the minimum across several ranges at once:

=MIN(A1:A5, B1:B5)

This looks at both A1:A5 and B1:B5 ranges together.

MIN Ignores Text and Logical Values

• Text values and logical values (TRUE/FALSE) are ignored unless typed directly into the formula:

=MIN(10, "Text", TRUE)

Result: 1 (TRUE is treated as 1 if typed directly).

Advanced Level

Using MIN with Other Functions

MIN with IF (Array Formula)

Find the minimum score for "Science" only:

A	B
Subject	Score
Science	85
Math	90
Science	75

Formula:

=MIN(IF(A2:A4="Science", B2:B4))

Important: In Excel 2016 or earlier, press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to make it an array formula.

MIN with FILTER (Dynamic Arrays - Excel 365/Excel 2019+)

=MIN(FILTER(B2:B4, A2:A4="Science"))

No need for special key combinations in modern Excel.

MIN vs SMALL

• MIN(range) → finds the absolute smallest value.

• SMALL(range, k) → finds the k-th smallest value.

Example:

=SMALL(A1:A5, 2)

Returns the second smallest value in A1:A5.

MIN with Conditions (Using MINIFS)

If you have Excel 2019 or newer:

=MINIFS(B2:B10, A2:A10, "Science")

Finds the minimum score where the subject is "Science."

Summary Table

Scenario	Formula Example	Description
Find minimum among numbers	=MIN(10, 5, 8)	Returns 5
Minimum in a range	=MIN(A1:A10)	Smallest value from A1 to A10
Minimum with a condition (IF)	=MIN(IF(A1:A5="Yes", B1:B5))	Smallest B1:B5 where A1:A5 = Yes
Minimum with a condition (MINIFS)	=MINIFS(B1:B5, A1:A5, "Yes")	Same (for newer Excel)
Minimum after filter	=MIN(FILTER(B1:B5, A1:A5="Yes"))	Excel 365/2019+ only

The MIN function is essential for finding the smallest values in datasets. Whether you are comparing numbers, searching based on conditions, or combining with advanced formulas like IF, FILTER, or MINIFS, the MIN function will make your Excel work faster and more accurate.