What is MAX IF Formula in Excel?
The MAX IF formula is a combination of two excel functions (MAX and IF Function) that identifies the maximum value from all the outcome that matches the logical test. MAX IF is used as an array formula where the logical test can run multiple times in a data set.
The method to use MAX IF function together is as follows:
=MAX(IF(logical test,value_ if _true,value_ if_ false))
Being an array formula, it should always be used by pressing “Ctrl+Shift+Enter” while running the formula.
Table of contents
- What is MAX IF Formula in Excel?
- How to use Max If Formula in Excel?
- The Cautions While Using MAX IF Formula
- Applications of Excel Max IF Formula
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Recommended Articles
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How to use Max If Formula in Excel?
You can download this Max If Formula Excel Template here – Max If Formula Excel Template
Let us consider the previous example with new numbers in column C. The following image shows the marks scored by students in various subjects. The subjects in the list are written in an unorganized manner.
Let us apply the MAX IF function to ascertain the maximum marks scored by a student in Mathematics.
We apply the following formula.
“=MAX(IF(B2:B11=C14,C2:C11))”
Here, the logical test is “B2:B11=C14.” The value in “B2:B11” is compared with “C14,” which is “Maths”.
The MAX IF formula returns “true” or “false” depending on the logical test. In this example, the array returns all scores of “Maths” obtained by students.
From the range “C2:C11,” the function provides values matching with “Maths.” The maximum array value matching the logical test is 94.
The MAX IF function is entered using “Ctrl+Shift+Enter” to get the maximum value from the given data set.
The Cautions While Using MAX IF Formula
The following points should be kept in mind while using this function:
- The variables of the logical testA logical test in Excel results in an analytical output, either true or false. The equals to operator, “=,” is the most commonly used logical test.read more must be clearly defined; otherwise, the formula may not pass the logical test.
- The selection of cells should be in accordance with the requirement because an incorrect selection may give erroneous results.
Applications of Excel Max IF Formula
The Excel MAX IF function is used in situations where one needs to find a criteria-based maximum value from a large data set. The applications of the MAX IF function are mentioned as follows:
- It is used to find the maximum marks scored by a student in a specific subject. The data set consists of the marks obtained in multiple subjects by all students of a certain class. In such a situation, the data set is large and complex, as shown in the following image:
Even if the list extends to serial number 1000, the MAX IF function helps determine the maximum marks obtained by a student.
- It is used by sales professionals of MNCs to identify the city with maximum sales of specific products. An organization operating at such a large scale works with huge data sets.
- It is used by the meteorological team to find the year in which a particular month recorded the highest temperature. The temperature of different cities over several years is compared and analyzed to study variations of weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
#1 – How to use MAX IF formula with multiple criteria?
The MAX IF function includes additional criteria with nested IF statements. The formula is stated as follows:
“{=MAX(IF(criteria_range1=criteria1,IF(criteria_range2=criteria2,max_range)))}”
Alternatively, the multiplication operation can be used to handle multiple criteria. The formula is stated as follows:
“{=MAX(IF((criteria_range1=criteria1)*(criteria_range2=criteria2), max_range))}”
#2 – How to use MAX IF formula without an array?
The MAX IF formula can be used without an array with the help of the SUMPRODUCT function. The formula is stated as follows:
“=SUMPRODUCT(MAX((criteria_range1=criteria1)*(criteria_range2=criteria2)*max_range))”
If required, the user can add more pairs of criteria.
Note: This formula can be entered using the “Enter” key. It returns the same result as the MAX IF array formula.
#3 – What is the MAXIFS function of Excel?
The MAXIFS function determines the maximum value from a range of values. It is a criteria-based function where the criteria can be dates, numbers, text, and so on.
This function is available to users of Excel 2019 and Excel 365. The syntax of the function is stated as follows: “=MAXIFS(max_range,range1,criteria1,[range2],[criteria2],…)”
The “max_range” is the range of values from which the maximum value is to be determined. The “range1” is the first range to be evaluated. The “criteria1” is the criteria used on the first range.
Note: In the MAXIFS function, the user can enter 126 range/criteria pairs. Every range whose values are to be evaluated against a criterion must be of the same size as the “max_range.”
- The MAX function is an array formula that finds the maximum value in a given range.
- The IF function is a conditional function that displays results based on certain criteria.
- The MAX IF function identifies the maximum value from all the array values that match the logical test.
- The formula of Excel MAX If function is “=MAX(IF(logical test,value_ if _true,value_if_ false)).”
- The MAX IF formula is used to find the maximum marks obtained by a student, the maximum sales of a product, the maximum temperature of a month, and so on.
Recommended Articles
This has been a guide to MAX IF in Excel. Here we discuss how to use it to find maximum values along with practical examples and a downloadable Excel template. You may learn more about Excel from the following articles –
- Examples of IF Formula in Excel
- How to Add Borders in Excel?
- VLOOKUP Function in VBA Excel
- SUMPRODUCT Function with Multiple Criteria
Excel MAX IF Function (Table of Contents)
- MAX IF in Excel
- How to Use MAX IF Function in Excel?
MAX IF in Excel
Max function and IF function in Excel are used to find the maximum value from the given range of datasets with the defined criteria. The MAX function returns the maximum value from the select number range, and the IF function helps find that number with chosen criteria. For this, we can first apply the IF function where, as per syntax, first choose Criteria Range and with the criteria we want, then select the value range. Once done, then cover the complete IF function in the MAX function’s syntax with curly brackets.
In Microsoft Excel, there is no such separate syntax for the MAXIF function, but we can combine the MAX and IF function in an array formula.
MAX Formula in Excel
Below is the MAX Formula in Excel:
Arguments of MAX Formula:
- number1: This number1 refers to a numeric value or range which contains a numeric value.
- number2 [optional]: This number2 refers to a numeric value or range which contains a numeric value.
IF Formula in Excel
Below is the IF Formula in Excel:
Arguments of IF Formula:
- Logical test: Which is a logical expression value to check the value is TRUE or FALSE.
- value _if_ true: Which is a value that returns if the logical test is true.
- value _if_ false: Which is a value that returns if the logical test is false.
How to Use MAX IF Function in Excel?
MAX and IF Functions in Excel is very simple and easy to use. Let’s understand the working of the MAX IF Function in Excel with some example.
You can download this MAX IF Function Excel Template here – MAX IF Function Excel Template
Example #1 – MAX Function in Excel
In this example, we will first learn how to use the MAX function with the below example.
Consider the below example, which shows sales data of the product category wise.
Now we will use the MAX function to find out which has the largest sales value by following the below steps.
Step 1 – First, select the new cell, i.e. D11.
Step 2 – Apply the MAX function i.e. =MAX(D2:D9)
Step 3 – Press enter so that we will get the MAX value is 1250, which is shown in the below screenshot.
In the below result, the Max function will check for the largest number in the D column and return the maximum sales value as 1250.
Example #2 – Using MAX IF Function in Excel with an array formula
In this example, we will learn how to use MAX IF function in Excel. Assume that we need to check the largest sales value category wise. Using only the max function, we can check only the maximum value, but we cannot check the maximum value category wise if the sales data contain a huge category and sales value.
In such a case, we can combine MAX and If Function with an array formula so that it makes the task very easier to find out the largest sales value category wise in Excel.
Consider the below example, which has Product Name, Category and Sales value which is shown below.
Now we will apply the Excel MAX IF function to find out the maximum sales value by following the below steps.
Step 1 – First, we will create a new table with a category name to display the result, as shown below.
Step 2 – Select cell G4.
Step 3 – Apply the MAX IF formula i.e. =MAX(IF(C$2:C13=F4,D2:D13))
In the above formula, we have applied MAX and IF function and then we selected Column C2 to C13 where we have listed the category name as C2:C13 and then we have checked the condition by selecting the cell as F4 where the F4 column is nothing but Category Name.
Now the if condition will check for the entire category name in C2 to C13 column whether it matches with the mentioned Category name in the F4 column; if the category name matches, it will return the largest sales value from the selected D column as D2 to D13 and lock the cells by pressing F4 where we will get the $ symbol to indicate that cells are locked, and we have given the Formula as =MAX(IF($C$2:$C$13=F4,$D$2:$D$13)).
After the MAXIF function is completed by closing all the brackets now, hold SHIFT+CTRL and then press enter as SHIFT+CTRL+ENTER so that we will get the output in array formula where we will get open and closing parenthesis at the opening and end of the statement, which is shown in the below screenshot.
Here as we can see in the above screenshot MAX IF function check for the category name in the D column as well as in the F column, and if it matches, it will return the largest value; here in this example, we got the output as 330 which is a largest sales value in the category.
Now drag down the MAX IF formulas for all the cell so that we will get the output result which is shown below.
Example #3 – Using MAX IF Function in Excel with an array formula
In this example, we will use the same Excel MAX IF function to find out the highest marks from a set of students.
Consider the below example, which shows student name along with their Gender and Marks, which is shown below.
Here in this example, we are going to find out Gender wise who has scored the highest marks by following the below steps.
Step 1 – First, create a new table with Male and Female as a separate column to display the result, which is shown below.
Step 2 – Now, we will apply the Excel MAX IF function as follows. Select cell D11.
Step 3 – Insert the MAX IF function by selecting the Gender column from C2 to C9.
Now we have to give the condition as IF(C2:C9=C11,D2:D9), which means that the IF condition will check for the gender from the C2 column whether it matches with C11 and If the gender matches MAX IF function returns the highest value.
Step 4 – Now lock the cells by pressing F4 so that the selected cells will be locked, which is shown in the below screenshot.
Step 5 – Once we complete the MAXIF function, Hit SHIFT+CRL+ENTER to make it an array formula to see the opening and closing parenthesis in the MAX IF function, which is shown below.
We can see that we got the highest mark as 95 for the gender MALE in the above screenshot.
Step 6 – Drag down the formula for all the below cells so that we will get the output as shown below.
In the above result using the Excel MAX IF function, we have found the highest marks gender-wise where MALE has scored 95 as the highest mark, and for FEMALE, we got 93 as the Highest mark.
Things to Remember
- In Microsoft Excel, there is no such MAX IF function as SUMIF and COUNTIF.
- We can use the MAX and IF function by combining them in the formulation.
- MAX IF function will throw an error #VALUE! If we did not apply the SHIFT+ENTER +KEY, make sure that you are using MAX IF function as an array formula.
Recommended Articles
This has been a guide to MAX IF in Excel. Here we discuss how to use MAX IF Function in Excel along with practical examples and downloadable excel templates. You can also go through our other suggested articles –
- MAX Excel Function
- SUMIF in Excel
- Excel SUM MAX MIN AVERAGE
- MAX Formula in Excel
In Excel, we can’t simply use the default MAX function with a condition (unless you are using Microsoft Office 365).
But the thing is if want to get maximum value from a range using a specific condition you need a MAX IF formula.
So what’s the point?
You can combine MAX and IF to create a formula that can help you to get the max value from a range using specific criteria.
In short: MAXIF is an array formula that you can use to find the max value from a range using criteria. But here’s the kicker: In this post, I’m gonna share with you different ways to use the MAXIF formula.
Apply MAX IF Formula
Let’s take an example of the below data where you have month-wise, week-wise, and date-wise sales quantity.
Now from this data, you need to get the max sales quantity for a particular month. For example, “Jan” and for this, the formula will be:
=MAX(IF(A2:A367="Jan",D2:D367))And you need to enter it as an array formula by using ctrl + shift + enter.
{=MAX(IF(A2:A367="Jan",D2:D367))}
When you enter it, it will return 200 which is the highest sales value in the month of Jan on 07-Jan-2016.
How does this work
To understand the working of max if you need to split it into three parts.
Please take note that you have entered it as an array formula.
First of all, you have created a logical test in the IF function to match the entire month column with the criteria. And, it has returned an array where match values are TRUE and all others are FALSE.
Second, in the IF function, you have specified the sales quantity column for the TRUE values and that’s why it has returned sales quantity only for the TRUE.
Third, the MAX function will simply return the highest number from this array which is the highest sales quantity for the month of Jan. Just like this formula hack here I’ve listed some of the others which you must read and learn.
- SUMIFOR in Excel
- RANKIF in Excel
I am sure at this point you are thinking that how we can use more than one condition in max if. And that’s a smart thought.
In the real world of data, there is a huge possibility that we need to use multiple criteria to get the highest value. Let’s continue with the previous example.
Let’s say, instead of the highest sales value from the month of Jan, you need to get the highest sales for week 2 of Jan.
So, here you have two different conditions, the month is Jan and the week is the 2nd. And, the formula will be:
=MAX(IF(A2:A367=F5,IF(B2:B367=G5,D2:D367),))And, when you enter it as an array:
{=MAX(IF(A2:A367=F5,IF(B2:B367=G5,D2:D367),))}
How does this work
Here we have used nested IF to test more than one logic. One is for the month and the second is for the week.
So it returns an array where you have sales quantity only where the month is Jan and the week is the 2nd.
And in the end, max returns the max value from that array.
MAX IF without an Array
Arrays are powerful but not everyone wants to use them. And, you have an option not to use an array in max if.
So for this, you can use the SUMPRODUCT function because it can help you to use an array without applying the actual array formula. And the formula will be:
=SUMPRODUCT(MAX((A2:A367="Jan")*D2:D367))So when you insert this formula you don’t need to use ctrl + shift + enter.
How does this work
Again we need to split this formula into three different parts to understand it. In the first part, you have compared the month column with the criteria and it has returned an array with TRUE where criteria matched, else FALSE.
After that, you have multiplied that array with the sales quantity column which returns an array where you have sales quantity instead of TRUE. In the end, the MAX function has returned the highest value from that array which is your highest sales quantity.
This entire formula, sumproduct has the major role to allow you to use an array without entering an actual array formula.
Conclusion
Getting the max value based on criteria is what we often need to do. And using this technique of max if the formula you can do it with no effort.
All the methods which you have learned above have different applications according to the situation. I hope this formula tip will help you to get better at Excel. But now, tell me one thing.
Which one do you really like, an array or without an array?
Please share your views with me in the comment section. I’d love to hear from you, and please, don’t forget to share this post with your friends, I am sure they will appreciate it.
When you were first learning how to use Excel, you quickly discovered the basic Excel functions, like SUM, COUNT, MIN, MAX, and AVERAGE. Now you’re ready for advanced calculations, like how to find MIN IF or MAX IF in Excel.
Beyond the Basics with MIN IF
In this example, we want to see the MIN and MAX for a specific product. There is a SUMIF function and a COUNTIF function, but no MINIF or MAXIF.
- [Update]: In Excel 2019, and Excel for Office 365, you can use the new MINIFS and MAXIFS functions. There is more information on the MIN and MAX page on my Contextures site.
So, we’ll have to create our own MINIF formula, using MIN and IF. I’ve selected a product in cell C11, and the formula will be built in cell D11.
To make it easy to select a product, I created a drop down list of product names, by using data validation.
NOTE: You can also calculate MIN IF and MAX IF with Multiple Criteria
MIN IF Formula
The formula starts with the MIN and IF functions, and their opening brackets:
=MIN(IF(
Next, we want to find the rows where the product name matches the product in C11:
- Select C2:C8, where the product names are listed
- Type an = sign
- Click on cell C11
=MIN(IF(C2:C8=C11
Next, select D2:D8, where the quantities are listed. If the product name matches, we want to check the product quantity
=MIN(IF(C2:C8=C11,D2:D8
To finish the formula:
- Type two closing brackets
- Then press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to array-enter the formula.
=MIN(IF(C2:C8=C11,D2:D8))
NOTE: If you plan to copy this formula down a column, use absolute references to the product and quantity ranges:
=MIN(IF($C$2:$C$8=C11,$D$2:$D$8))
Array Entered Formula
If you select cell D11, and look at the formula in the Formula Bar, there are curly brackets at the start and end of the formula. Those were automatically added, because the formula was array-entered (Ctrl + Shift + Enter).
If you don’t see those curly brackets, you pressed Enter, instead of Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
To fix the formula:
- Click in the formula bar (it doesn’t matter where you click within the formula)
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
Create a MAXIF Formula
To find the maximum quantity for a specific product, use MAX instead of MIN.
=MAX(IF(C2:C8=C11,D2:D8))
or use absolute references for the product and quantity ranges:
=MAX(IF($C$2:$C$8=C11,$D$2:$D$8))
And remember to press Ctrl+Shift+Enter
Multiple Criteria for MIN IF or MAX IF
These formulas have only one criterion — the product name. If you’re ready for the next challenge, you can also calculate MIN IF and MAX IF with Multiple Criteria
- [Update]: In Excel 2019, and Excel 365, you can use the new MINIFS and MAXIFS functions. For more information, go to the MIN and MAX page on my Contextures site.
Watch the MIN IF or MAX IF Video
To see the steps for creating MIN IF and MAX IF formulas, watch this short Excel video tutorial. The sample file for this video can be downloaded from my Contextures website, on the MIN and MAX page.
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The example shown contains almost 10,000 rows of data. The data represents temperature readings taken every 2 minutes over a period of days. For any given date (provided in cell H7), we want to get the maximum temperature on that date.
Inside the IF function, logical test is entered as B5:B9391=H7. Because we’re comparing the value in H7 against a range of cells (an array), the result will be an array of results, where each item in the array is either TRUE or FALSE. The TRUE values represent dates that match H7.
For the value if true, we provide the range E5:E9391, which fetches all the full set of temperatures in Fahrenheit. This returns an array of values the same size as the first array.
The IF function acts as a filter. Because we provide IF with an array for the logical test, IF returns an array of results. Where the date matches H7, the array contains a temperature value. In all other cases, the array contains FALSE. In other words, only temperatures associated with the date in H7 survive the trip through the IF function.
The array result from the IF function is delivered directly to the MAX function, which returns the maximum value in the array.
With MAXIFS
In Excel O365 and Excel 2019, the new MAXIFS function can find the maximum value with one or more criteria without the need for an array formula. With MAXIFS, the equivalent formula for the this example is:
=MAXIFS(E5:E9391,B5:B9391,H7)