Excel SMALL Function

Using the Excel SMALL Function

Excel SMALL Function

Summary

The Excel SMALL function returns the k-th smallest value in a data set. Use SMALL to return a value based on its relative standing, such as first, second, or third.

Syntax

=SMALL (array, k)

Syntax Breakdown

Array
Required. An array or range of data for which you want to return the k-th smallest value.

K
Required. The position, from the smallest, in the array or range of data that should be returned.

Usage Notes

SMALL will return a value based on its position in a list when sorted by value. It returns the k-th smallest value. For example, the 1st smallest, 8th smallest, etc.

SMALL is similar to LARGE, in that both function return a value based on their position in a list that has been sorted by value.

#NUM! Error
An empty array will cause the function to return the #NUM! error value.

The #NUM! error is also returned if k <= 0 or if k is greater than the number of data points.