MAXA
The MAXA function returns the largest value in a range, considering numbers, dates, times, errors, and text representations of numbers. It evaluates all data types except for empty cells. Use it to find the maximum value even when data types vary.
Syntax 🔗
=MAXA(value1, [value2], ...)
value1 | The first value or range to be evaluated for the maximum. |
value2 (Optional) | Additional values or ranges to be considered for the maximum. You can include up to 255 arguments. |
About MAXA 🔗
Use the MAXA function to find the highest value in a range of cells that may include numbers, dates, times, errors, or text representations of numbers. This function helps you evaluate a collection of values and determine the largest one, regardless of the data format. It's useful when dealing with mixed data types and you need to identify the maximum value.
Examples 🔗
Suppose you have a range of cells (A1:A5) containing the following values: 10, 15, '20', '25', and an error value. To find the largest value among these cells, you would use the MAXA formula as follows: =MAXA(A1:A5). This would return 25 as the output since it is the largest numeric value in the range.
Consider a scenario where you have a list of values representing both numbers and dates (B1:B6): 100, '150', 200, 10/15/2022, 12/31/2021, and an error value. By using the MAXA function like this: =MAXA(B1:B6), Excel will determine that 200 is the largest value in this mixed data range and return it as the result.
Notes 🔗
The MAXA function evaluates numbers, dates, times, and their text representations as numeric values to find the maximum. Text values that cannot be converted into numbers are ignored. If all values provided are non-numeric or cannot be interpreted as numbers, Excel returns a #VALUE! error.
Questions 🔗
The MAXA function treats text representations of numbers as numeric values when determining the maximum. Only text values that can be converted into numbers are considered in the evaluation process. Text values that cannot be interpreted as numbers are excluded from the calculation.
Can I use the MAXA function with ranges that include both numbers and error values?Yes, the MAXA function can handle ranges that contain a mix of numeric values and error values. It will identify the largest numeric value in the range and disregard any errors during the maximum value calculation.
What happens if all provided values to the MAXA function are non-numeric?If all the values provided to the MAXA function are non-numeric or cannot be translated into numbers, Excel will return a #VALUE! error to signify that it could not determine the maximum value. Ensure that at least one value in the range can be interpreted as a number for the function to work correctly.