nth smallest value

To get the nth smallest value (i.e. 1st smallest, 2nd smallest, 3rd smallest, etc.) in a set of data, you can use the SMALL function. In the example shown, the formula in I5 is: =SMALL($C5:$G5,I$4) As the formula is copied across and down the table, it returns the 3 fastest times for each name in the list. Note this formula makes used of mixed references to make the formula easy to copy. See below for details. Note: Excel times are just numbers underneath the formatting, so smaller numbers mean shorter times.

April 14, 2025 · 1 min · 93 words · Sharon Mathews DDS

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This problem can be solved with the SMALL function.

Note: I don’t know why the second argument for SMALL is called “k” .

SMALL function

TheSMALL functioncan be used to return the nth smallest value in a set of data.

nth smallest value - basic example

Simply supply a range and a number that indicates rank.

The official names for these arguments are “array” and “k”.

Note:Excel times are just numbersunderneath the formatting, so smaller numbers mean shorter times.

nth smallest value - basic example

This is why we can use the SMALL function to get the “best” times.

from a set of numeric data.

nth smallest value - basic example

nth smallest value - basic example

nth smallest value - basic example

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Excel SMALL function