MIN

What Does the =MIN() Formula Do?

The =MIN() formula is used to find the smallest value in a given range of numbers. It's perfect for situations where you want to determine the minimum score, the lowest price, or the smallest quantity in a dataset.

Formula Syntax:

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

• number1, number2, ...: These are the numbers or ranges you want to evaluate. You can include individual numbers, cell references, or ranges.

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Step-by-Step Example:

Let’s look at a practical scenario to understand how this formula works.

Example Scenario: Finding the Lowest Score

Imagine you’re a teacher with a list of student scores, and you want to find the lowest score. Here’s the data:

Student	Score
Alice	85
Bob	92
Carol	78
Dave	89
Eve	95

1. Enter the Data:

   • Open Excel and input the data in two columns, as shown above.

2. Use the =MIN() Formula:

   • Click on a blank cell where you want the result to appear.
   • Type the formula:

     =MIN(B2:B6)

   • Here, B2:B6 is the range of cells containing the scores.

3. Press Enter:

   • The cell will now display the smallest value from the range, which is 78.

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Additional Example: Finding the Lowest Price

Suppose you’re comparing prices for items online. Here's the data:

Item	Price ($)
Laptop	899
Headphones	49
Mouse	25
Keyboard	75
Monitor	199

To find the lowest price:

1. Enter the prices in a range (e.g., B2:B6).
2. Use the formula:

   excel
   =MIN(B2:B6)
   

3. The result will show 25, the lowest price.

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Pro Tips:

• Ensure all values in your range are numerical; text or blank cells are ignored.
• Combine the =MIN() formula with conditional formatting to highlight the smallest value in your data visually.

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Conclusion:

The =MIN() formula is a must-know tool for any Excel beginner. Whether you’re managing finances, analyzing data, or comparing scores, this formula simplifies your task by identifying the smallest value in a snap. With this tutorial and examples, you’re well on your way to becoming an Excel pro. Ready to explore more Excel formulas? Stay tuned for our next beginner-friendly guide!