Excel MAX Function

The Excel MAX stands for maximum. MAX function is categorized under statistical function, it displays the largest value from the specified range.

Purpose of Excel MAX Function

To get a largest value from a given range.

Return value

The largest value in the array.

Syntax

=MAX (number1, [number2],….)

Arguments

Usage notes

• The MAX function ignores empty cells, the logical values TRUE and FALSE, and text values.
• Arguments can either be numbers or names, arrays, or references that contain numbers.
• Logical values and text representations of numbers that you type directly into the list of arguments are counted.
• If an argument is an array or reference, only numbers in that array or reference are used. Empty cells, logical values, or text in the array or reference are ignored.
• If the arguments contain no numbers, MAX returns 0 (zero).
• Arguments that are error values or text that cannot be translated into numbers cause errors.

Availability

Since 2007 for Windows.
Since 2011 for Mac.

Example

In the following example, we are going to find the maximum mark scored by the student using MAX Function.

The formula applied is =MAX(C5:C12), here the C5:C12 is the given reference containing marks. The return value is 89, the maximum mark in the given range.

NOTE:

MAX Function ignores empty cell.

Suggested reading: 20 Excel Functions Useful For Finance Professionals