This function returns the smallest numerical value from a specified column within a list or database, provided it matches the conditions you’ve set.
Syntax
DMIN(database; field; criteria)
Arguments
- database (required): This is the cell range that defines your list or database.
- field (optional): This indicates which column the function should use.
- criteria (required): This is the cell range containing the field names and the filter criteria you want to apply.
Background
You can use the DMIN() and DMAX() functions to find the smallest or largest value, respectively, in a database based on specific criteria. DMIN() will return a value from a database, such as the smallest sales figure for a product over the past five years.
Example
Your wholesale company is doing well with high sales, but you want to identify which product has the lowest sales. This insight could help you decide whether to modify the product or offer a different one. Specifically, you want to find the product with the lowest sales for a particular customer. The DMIN() function is perfect for this.
The DMIN() function will return the order value for the « Save-a-lot Markets » company (see Figure below). Since your database includes sales of $0, you’ll need to specify a criterion of >0 to exclude them.
DMIN() will then return the lowest sale of $1,020 for your customer, « Save-a-lot Markets. » You can also use the DGET() function to determine which product this specific sale was for. Figure below illustrates how to do this.
This approach allows you to analyze each customer and identify products with the smallest sales, helping you make informed decisions about adjusting your product line.