EXCEL SOLUTIONS

SMALL function in Excel

Returns the 1st, 2nd, 3rd... smallest number in a range.

IntermediateTotals and maths

Syntax

=SMALL(array, k)
Arguments of SMALL
ArgumentWhat it means
arrayThe range of numbers.
kWhich one you want. 1 is the smallest.

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)

RowABCD
1StudentMathsScienceEnglish
2Layla788591
3Omar627058
4Priya958892
5Quinn455261
6Rosa887984
Class scores (fictional) Row 1 holds the headings. All data is fictional. Dates are year-month-day.

Download CSV

  • =SMALL(C2:C6,2)70

    Second lowest Science score

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 SMALL at work

  • Operations

    The two lowest stock levels.

    =SMALL(C2:C6,1)+SMALL(C2:C6,2)15
    Data: Stock levels (fictional)
  • Education

    Find who needs support: the second lowest result.

    =SMALL(B2:B6,2)62
    Data: Class scores (fictional)

Common mistakes and tips

  • k must be between 1 and the number of values.

Works in

All versions of Excel, and Google Sheets.

Related formulas

LARGEMIN

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