In statistics, a minimum is the smallest number in the data sample. For example: What is the minimum in the data sample: 10, 3, 5, 7, 9, 14, 103. To calculate the minimum value, you need to sort the data sample in order from smallest to largest: 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 14, 103, and the smallest number returns 3.
In Excel, you can use the MIN function to find the smallest number in a set of numbers.
Formula:
= MIN(number1, [number2], …)
Explanations:
– Number 1 is required;
– [number2] … numbers other than the first are optional.
Cautions:
– When a cell contains errors or information that can not be translated into numbers, the MIN function may return to errors.
– The text information representing numbers that you type in will be counted, however, blank cells or cells with text values are ignored.
Example 1: What is the minimum income in column C?
= MIN(C2:C9) The minimum income is $53,308.
In this example, cell C6 is ignored because it is a blank cell. Cell C8 is also ignored because this cell contains text information (NA).