EXCEL SOLUTIONS

MAXIFS function in Excel

Finds the largest number that meets one or more conditions.

AdvancedTotals and maths

Syntax

=MAXIFS(max_range, criteria_range1, criteria1, ...)
Arguments of MAXIFS
ArgumentWhat it means
max_rangeThe numbers to look through.
criteria_range1, criteria1The range to test and its condition. Add more pairs if needed.

Examples with results

Every result below is calculated by the practice engine on the sample data shown, not typed in by hand.

Team list (fictional)

RowABCDE
1NameDepartmentSalaryStart dateRating
2Amira HassanFinance92002019-03-044
3Ben CarterSales78002021-07-193
4Chen WeiSales81002020-01-135
5Dina AliHR72002022-09-014
6Emil NovakOperations69002018-11-262
7Farah KhanFinance104002016-05-095
8Gabriel SilvaOperations65002023-02-143
Team list (fictional) Row 1 holds the headings. All data is fictional. Dates are year-month-day.

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  • =MAXIFS(C2:C8,B2:B8,"Finance")10400

    Highest salary in Finance

Office supplies sales (fictional)

RowABCDE
1ItemQtyUnit priceRegionDate
2Pen101.5North2025-01-15
3Notebook512South2025-02-03
4Pen201.5South2025-02-28
5Stapler240North2025-03-10
6Folder153.25East2025-03-22
7Notebook812East2025-04-05
8Pen121.5North2025-04-18
9Marker302South2025-05-02
Office supplies sales (fictional) Row 1 holds the headings. All data is fictional. Dates are year-month-day.

Download CSV

  • =MAXIFS(B2:B9,A2:A9,"Pen")20

    Largest Pen order

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 MAXIFS at work

  • HR

    Top pay in a department.

    =MAXIFS(C2:C8,B2:B8,"Operations")6900
    Data: Team list (fictional)
  • Sales

    Biggest order in one region.

    =MAXIFS(B2:B9,D2:D9,"South")30
    Data: Office supplies sales (fictional)

Common mistakes and tips

  • Older Excel versions do not have MAXIFS. Use an array formula with MAX and IF there.

Works in

Excel 2019 and Microsoft 365 or later, and Google Sheets. Not in Excel 2016 or older.

Related formulas

MAXSUMIFS

Lessons that use it

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