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MAX and MIN Functions in Google Sheets: Complete Guide with Examples | SheetXAI

D
David DeSouza
Dec 1, 2025
Vector illustration showing two figures interacting with a checklist or calendar display, representing finding maximum and minimum values in a data range

The Problem

You have a list of sales numbers in column A and need to find the highest sale and the lowest sale. You could sort the data, but a formula is faster and updates automatically.

The Easy Way: Use SheetXAI

If you don't want to mess with formulas, the fastest way to do this is simply by asking.

With SheetXAI, you can open the sidebar and type:

Find the highest value in column A and the lowest value in column A.

SheetXAI will instantly write the formula or script for you and fill the cells. It handles the syntax so you can focus on the result.

The Manual Way: The Formulas You Need

To do this manually, you need to use: MAX and MIN.

1. MAX

Returns the largest value in a set of values. Ignores text and blank cells.

Syntax: =MAX(number1, [number2], ...)

  • number1: The first number or range to evaluate.
  • [number2]: Additional numbers or ranges (optional, can add many).

Example: MAX(A1:A100) returns the highest value in the range A1 through A100.

2. MIN

Returns the smallest value in a set of values. Ignores text and blank cells.

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

  • number1: The first number or range to evaluate.
  • [number2]: Additional numbers or ranges (optional, can add many).

Example: MIN(A1:A100) returns the lowest value in the range A1 through A100.

Understanding the Logic

  1. MAX: Finds the highest value. Scans through all numbers and returns the biggest one.
  2. MIN: Finds the lowest value. Scans through all numbers and returns the smallest one.

Both functions:

  • Ignore text cells (only look at numbers)
  • Ignore blank cells
  • Can work with ranges (A1:A100) or individual cells (A1, A2, A3)
  • Can combine multiple ranges: MAX(A1:A10, C1:C10)

Common use cases:

  • MAX: Find highest sales, top score, maximum temperature
  • MIN: Find lowest price, minimum score, earliest date
  • Both together: Calculate the range (MAX - MIN) to see the spread of values

The Final Formula:

=MAX(A:A)

Conclusion

Now you know the "classic" way to solve this using formulas. It's a great skill to have.

But for those times when you just want the job done without the mental math, SheetXAI is there to help.

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