Syntax
=LARGE(array, k)
| Argument | What it means |
|---|---|
array | The range of numbers. |
k | Which one you want. 1 is the largest, 2 the second largest. |
Examples with results
Every result below is calculated by the practice engine on the sample data shown, not typed in by hand.
Class scores (fictional)
| Row | A | B | C | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Student | Maths | Science | English |
| 2 | Layla | 78 | 85 | 91 |
| 3 | Omar | 62 | 70 | 58 |
| 4 | Priya | 95 | 88 | 92 |
| 5 | Quinn | 45 | 52 | 61 |
| 6 | Rosa | 88 | 79 | 84 |
=LARGE(B2:B6,2)Second highest Maths score
Office supplies sales (fictional)
| Row | A | B | C | D | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Item | Qty | Unit price | Region | Date |
| 2 | Pen | 10 | 1.5 | North | 2025-01-15 |
| 3 | Notebook | 5 | 12 | South | 2025-02-03 |
| 4 | Pen | 20 | 1.5 | South | 2025-02-28 |
| 5 | Stapler | 2 | 40 | North | 2025-03-10 |
| 6 | Folder | 15 | 3.25 | East | 2025-03-22 |
| 7 | Notebook | 8 | 12 | East | 2025-04-05 |
| 8 | Pen | 12 | 1.5 | North | 2025-04-18 |
| 9 | Marker | 30 | 2 | South | 2025-05-02 |
=LARGE(B2:B9,3)Third largest order quantity
Try it yourself
Change the formula or switch to other sample data.
Press Calculate to see the result.
The practice box runs in your browser with BDK’s own calculator, which covers about 60 common functions. Cell references work as in Excel (B2, B2:B9). Your formulas are not saved or sent anywhere. For anything unusual, check the result in Excel itself.
How people use LARGE at work
- Sales
The top three order sizes.
Data: Office supplies sales (fictional)=LARGE(B2:B9,1)+LARGE(B2:B9,2)+LARGE(B2:B9,3) - Education
Find the runner-up score.
Data: Class scores (fictional)=LARGE(D2:D6,2)
Common mistakes and tips
- k cannot be larger than the number of values or you get #NUM!.
Works in
All versions of Excel, and Google Sheets.
Lessons that use it
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