MINIFS in Google Sheets (Easiest Way to Use It in 2024)

MINIFS in Google Sheets

MINIFS is a function in Google Sheets that calculates the minimum value among cells specified by a given set of conditions or criteria. This function is particularly useful for analyzing data sets where you need to find the lowest value that meets certain conditions.

Syntax

The syntax of the MINIFS function is as follows:

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MINIFS(range, criteria_range1, criterion1, [criteria_range2, criterion2, ...])

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• range: The range of cells from which the minimum value will be calculated.
• criteria_range1: The range of cells to evaluate with the first criterion.
• criterion1: The criterion that must be met in the criteria_range1. It can be a number, expression, cell reference, or text that defines which cells will be considered for the minimum calculation.
• criteria_range2, criterion2, ... (optional): Additional ranges and their corresponding criteria to test.

How to Use MINIFS in Google Sheets

Here is a practical example to illustrate how to use the MINIFS function in Google Sheets where we have sales data for various salespeople across different regions. Simply follow the steps below.

1. Select the Column with Values to Analyze as Data Range

Determine the column that contains the values you want to analyze. For our example, you want to analyze sales figures, so your range is column C.

2. Identify the Column with Criteria for Filtering as Criteria Range

Identify the column with the criteria for filtering your analysis. In this case, since you want to filter by region, your criteria range is column B, which lists the regions.

3. Choose the Specific Condition for Data Filtering as Criterion

Decide on the specific condition the data must meet. For the example, if you're interested in finding the lowest sales figure for the "East" region, your criterion is "East".

4. Input the MINIFS Formula with Specific Data Range and Criteria

In an empty cell, type in the MINIFS formula with your specific details. Following our example, you would enter: =MINIFS(C2:C9, B2:B9, "East"). This formula looks for the minimum sales figure in the East region.

5. Extend the Formula with Additional Criteria (Optional)

If you need to apply more conditions, such as finding sales above a certain amount, extend your formula with additional criteria ranges and criteria. However, for simplicity, our current example sticks to one condition.

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6. Execute the Formula by Pressing Enter and Review the Result

After pressing Enter, Google Sheets will display the lowest sales figure for the East region based on the dataset provided. This shows you the effectiveness of the MINIFS function in filtering and analyzing data.

7. Review and Adjust the Formula as Necessary for Accurate Results

If the result is not what you expected, check your formula for any potential mistakes in the range or criteria specified. Adjust as necessary to ensure accuracy in your analysis.

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We hope that you now have a better understanding of how to use MINIFS in Google Sheets. If you enjoyed this article, you might also like our article on how to find correlation coefficients in Google Sheets or our article on the Google Sheets loan payment formula.