LARGE function: Description, Usage, Syntax, Examples and Explanation

by

What is LARGE function in Excel?

LARGE function is one of Statistical functions in Microsoft Excel that returns the k-th largest value in a data set. You can use this function to select a value based on its relative standing. For example, you can use LARGE to return the highest, runner-up, or third-place score.

Syntax of LARGE function

LARGE(array, k)

Worked Example:   nth largest value in Excel

The LARGE function syntax has the following arguments:

  • Array    Required. The array or range of data for which you want to determine the k-th largest value.
  • K    Required. The position (from the largest) in the array or cell range of data to return.

LARGE function formula explanation

  • If array is empty, LARGE returns the #NUM! error value.
  • If k ≤ 0 or if k is greater than the number of data points, LARGE returns the #NUM! error value.
Worked Example:   Get last match in Excel

If n is the number of data points in a range, then LARGE(array,1) returns the largest value, and LARGE(array,n) returns the smallest value.

Example of LARGE function

Steps to follow:

1. Open a new Excel worksheet.

2. Copy data in the following table below and paste it in cell A1

Worked Example:   nth largest value with criteria in Excel

Note: For formulas to show results, select them, press F2 key on your keyboard and then press Enter.

You can adjust the column widths to see all the data, if need be.

Data Data
3 4
5 2
3 4
5 6
4 7
Formula Description Result
=LARGE(A2:B6,3) 3rd largest number in the numbers above 5
=LARGE(A2:B6,7) 7th largest number in the numbers above 4

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.