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.
