MAX Function in Google Sheets
Use MAX to return the largest number in a range — the highest score, the latest date, the biggest sale.
=MAX(A2:A100)
Returns the single largest number found in A2:A100. Text and blanks are ignored.
How it works
MAX scans a range (or a list of numbers and ranges) and returns the biggest numeric value. It ignores text and empty cells, so a stray label in the column will not break it. Because dates are numbers under the hood, MAX also gives you the most recent date in a column.
Variations
Max that meets a condition (MAXIFS)
=MAXIFS(B2:B100, A2:A100, "North")
Largest value in B where column A equals "North".
Max of several ranges
=MAX(A2:A100, D2:D100)
Compares across both ranges and returns the overall largest.
Most recent date
=MAX(A2:A100)
Format the result cell as a date to read it correctly.
Examples
| Scenario | Formula |
|---|---|
| Highest test score | =MAX(C2:C) |
| Biggest sale in the East region | =MAXIFS(D2:D, B2:B, "East") |
FAQ
How do I get the max with more than one condition?
MAXIFS accepts extra criteria in pairs, e.g. =MAXIFS(B2:B,A2:A,"North",C2:C,">0").
How do I find which row the max came from?
Combine INDEX and MATCH: =INDEX(A2:A100, MATCH(MAX(B2:B100), B2:B100, 0)).
Why does MAX ignore my numbers?
They are probably stored as text. Convert them with VALUE or check that they are right-aligned in the cell.