DMAX Function(WS)

Description

The Microsoft Excel DMAX function returns the largest number in a column in a list or database, based on a given criteria.

Syntax

The syntax for the DMAX function in Microsoft Excel is:

DMAX( database, field, criteria )

Parameters or Arguments

database

The range of cells that you want to apply the criteria against.

field

The column to find the largest number in. You can either specify the numerical position of the column in the list or the column label in double quotation marks.

criteria

The range of cells that contains your criteria.

Applies To

• Excel 2016, Excel 2013, Excel 2011 for Mac, Excel 2010, Excel 2007, Excel 2003, Excel XP, Excel 2000

Type of Function

• Worksheet function (WS)

Example (as Worksheet Function)

Let's look at some Excel DMAX function examples and explore how to use the DMAX function as a worksheet function in Microsoft Excel:

Based on the Excel spreadsheet above, the following DMAX examples would return:

=DMAX(A4:D8, "Unit Cost", A1:B2)
Result: $5.00

=DMAX(A4:D8, 3, A1:B2)
Result: $5.00

=DMAX(A4:D8, "Quantity", A1:A2)
Result: 12

=DMAX(A4:D8, 2, A1:A2)
Result: 12

Using Named Ranges

You can also use a named range in the DMAX function. A named range is a descriptive name for a collection of cells or range in a worksheet. If you are unsure of how to setup a named range in your spreadsheet, read our tutorial on Adding a Named Range.

For example, we've created a named range called orders that refers to Sheet1!$A$4:$D$8.

Then we've entered the following data in Excel:

Based on the Excel spreadsheet above, the following DMAX examples would return:

=DMAX(orders, "Total Cost", A1:A2)
Result: $35.88

=DMAX(orders, 4, A1:A2)
Result: $35.88

To view named ranges: Under the Insert menu, select Name > Define.