How to calculate maximum in Google Sheets

The MAX function in Google Sheets is a handy tool that simplifies the process of identifying the maximum value within a given range. In a set of values, it yields the greatest value. By mastering this fundamental Google Sheets function, we can streamline our data analysis and make informed decisions based on the highest values in our datasets. Let’s delve into the steps of calculating the maximum value in Google Sheets.

Syntax

The basic syntax for the MAX function is as follows:

Here, number1 and number2 represent the cell number or any numeric value. It’s worth noting that we can include additional cells as needed.

Note: Ranges or cell references may be used instead of explicit values.

Simple values

If we simply want to find out the maximum value between 10, 20, and 30, we'll use the MAX function using the formula given below:

List of cells

If we want to find MAX by providing the list of cells, we can use the formula given below:

Range of cells

If we want to find MAX by providing the range of cells, we can use the formula given below:

If we want to use the range of cells and want to skip a cell number, in that case, we can use the formula given below:

The above formula calculates the maximum of cells A1, A2, A3, and A5.

Steps

The following is a step-by-step guide to using the MAX function:

1. Select the cell: Click on the cell where we want the maximum value to appear.

2. Use the MAX function: Type =MAX( into the selected cell.

3. Select the range: If we want to calculate the maximum of the number of cells in the range A1 to A5, there are two ways to achieve the desired result:

   1. We can enter “A1:A5” after the opening parenthesis and then close the parenthesis and press the “Enter” button. The formula should look something like this: =MAX(A1:A5).

   2. We can also enter “A1,A2,A3,A4,A5” after the opening parenthesis and then close the parenthesis and press the “Enter” button. The formula should look something like this: =MAX(A1,A2,A3,A4,A5).

Let’s now apply the above steps to our dataset. Let’s suppose we have the following dataset:

Now, our objective is to determine the maximum marks a student gets in the required dataset. We have seen two ways to calculate the maximum. Let’s use both ways:

Calculating the maximum with a list of cells

First, we select the cell where we need to calculate the MAX. Let’s suppose here the cell number is B9. Then, we select the "cell(B9)" and write the following in the cell:

Let’s visualize the above steps in action.

Note: As you can see in the above slide, when multiple cells are added, the system automatically highlights the cell number and alters its color for easier identification.

If an empty cell is included in a maximum formula and subsequently populated with a value, the value in cell B9, where the maximum is calculated, will automatically update to reflect the new value.

Calculating the maximum by specifying the range

First, we select the cell where we need to calculate the MAX. Let’s suppose here the cell number is B9. After we select the “cell(B9)” and write the following in the cell:

Let’s visualize the above steps in action.

Things to remember

• If we try to find the product of any value (other than numbers) enclosed in double quotes, it will throw a #VALUE! error.

• Empty cells, text, the logical values TRUE and FALSE, and text values are all ignored when used with a range or by typing the cell numbers.