MINA function

MINA returns the smallest numeric value in a range, treating text as zero and logical values as numbers—useful when your data mixes different types.

=MINA(value1, ...)

Generate a MINA formula

Describe what you need. The generator will reach for MINA where MINA is the right tool, and tell you when it is not.

How to get a better answer
  • Name your columns by letter and by header: "column F (Net Value)" beats "the amount column".
  • State every condition, including the negatives — "not cancelled" changes the formula's shape.
  • Say where the data starts if it is not row 1, and whether it will grow.
  • Check the settings above match your spreadsheet: the wrong argument separator is a syntax error on your machine.

Arguments

How MINA reads its arguments
value1requiredMINA →
ArgumentRequiredDescription
value1RequiredRequired. The first value, cell, or range to evaluate; can be a number, text, or logical value (TRUE/FALSE).
...RepeatingOptional. Additional values or ranges to include in the minimum calculation; MINA evaluates all arguments together.

Returns

A number representing the minimum value from the input range or set of values.

Availability

Excel: All · Google Sheets: Supported

Worked examples

1. Identify the lowest actual spending in January

CategoryActual
Rent1500
Groceries450
Utilities180
Entertainment250
=MINA(D2:D5)

Result: 180

MINA scans the four January spending values and returns 180, the minimum actual amount spent. This reveals utilities as the lowest-cost category that month.

2. Find the worst variance (most negative overspend)

CategoryMonthVariance
RentJan0
GroceriesJan-50
UtilitiesJan20
EntertainmentJan50
RentFeb0
GroceriesFeb-20
UtilitiesFeb-10
EntertainmentFeb20
=MINA(E2:E9)

Result: -50

MINA returns -50, the most negative variance across two months, identifying where spending exceeded budget by the largest margin. Groceries in January shows the biggest overspend.

3. Determine the smallest budget allocation across all months

CategoryMonthBudgeted
RentJan1500
GroceriesJan400
UtilitiesJan200
EntertainmentJan300
RentFeb1500
GroceriesFeb400
UtilitiesFeb200
EntertainmentFeb300
=MINA(C2:C9)

Result: 200

MINA scans all budgeted values across both months and returns 200, the lowest budget amount. This shows utilities consistently received the smallest budget allocation.

Common errors

Which MINA error are you seeing?
MINA returned an error#REF!
Update the formula to reference valid, existing cells. Consider using a named range so references remain stable even if the underlying data is moved.
#NULL!
Use the correct range separator for your locale. In English regions, use a comma: =MINA(C2:C9, E2:E9). In some European regions, use a semicolon.
#VALUE!
Simplify the formula by ensuring MINA's arguments are straightforward ranges or individual values. Break complex operations into separate steps if needed.
ErrorWhy it happensHow to fix it
#REF!The formula references a cell or range that has been deleted or is no longer available in the spreadsheet.Update the formula to reference valid, existing cells. Consider using a named range so references remain stable even if the underlying data is moved.
#NULL!The formula uses an incorrect range separator—for example, a space instead of a comma, like =MINA(C2:C9 E2:E9).Use the correct range separator for your locale. In English regions, use a comma: =MINA(C2:C9, E2:E9). In some European regions, use a semicolon.
#VALUE!MINA is used within a context where arguments cannot be evaluated as a simple range or value operation.Simplify the formula by ensuring MINA's arguments are straightforward ranges or individual values. Break complex operations into separate steps if needed.

Tips and when to use something else

  • MINA treats all text values as 0, so if your range contains text labels, the result might be 0 unexpectedly—use MIN instead if you want to ignore text entries.
  • Unlike MIN, MINA converts logical values: TRUE becomes 1, FALSE becomes 0. If your data includes Boolean columns, they will influence the minimum calculation.
  • For conditional minimum values (e.g., 'find the minimum spending only for groceries'), use MINIFS instead; it's clearer and requires no additional IF nesting.
  • MINA ignores empty cells, so blank rows won't affect the result, but verify your range excludes header rows to prevent unexpected minimums.

Related functions

MINMIN finds and returns the smallest numeric value in a range or list, automatically excluding text and empty cells.MINIFSReturns the minimum value in a range that meets one or more specified criteria, useful for finding smallest quantities subject to filters.SMALLSMALL returns the k-th smallest value from an array, where k=1 gives the minimum and higher k values give progressively larger results.MAXMAX returns the largest numeric value in a range, ignoring text and empty cells. Useful for finding peak inventory, highest prices, or latest dates.MAXAMAXA returns the maximum value in a range, treating text as 0—use it when data mixes text and numbers and you want a predictable result.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between MINA and MIN?
MIN ignores text and logical values, returning only the numeric minimum. MINA includes them—text becomes 0, TRUE becomes 1, FALSE becomes 0. Use MIN for purely numeric data and MINA when your range mixes different types.
Does MINA include empty cells in its calculation?
No, MINA skips empty cells entirely. It only considers cells with actual values: numbers, text (treated as 0), and logical values (TRUE/FALSE).
Can MINA return 0 when there are no actual zeros in my data?
Yes. If your range contains text values, MINA treats them as 0, which becomes the minimum result. If you see an unexpected 0, check whether your range includes text that should be excluded.
How do I find the minimum for only a specific category or criteria?
Use MINIFS, which adds criteria filtering. For example, =MINIFS(Actual, Category, "Groceries") returns the minimum actual spending only for groceries, without scanning unrelated rows.

Need a different formula?

The full generator is not scoped to one function — describe any spreadsheet problem and it will pick.

Open the formula generator

Reviewed 2026-09-17