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How to find the nth smallest value in Excel and Google Sheets
Topic:RANK & statistical aggregatesExcel & Google Sheets
=SMALL(B2:B6,2)✓
Verified example
Computed by a real spreadsheet engine on the sample data below.
| Region | Sales |
| North | 4200 |
| South | 3100 |
| East | 5800 |
| West | 2700 |
| Central | 4900 |
=SMALL(B2:B6,2)→3100
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Step by step
- 1Select the cell where you want the result.
- 2Type =SMALL( then select the range of numbers, e.g. B2:B6.
- 3Enter a comma, then type the rank you want (1 = smallest, 2 = second smallest, etc.).
- 4Close the parenthesis and press Enter.
Tips
- To get the nth LARGEST value instead, use =LARGE(range, n). Both functions ignore text and blank cells.
- If n exceeds the number of values in the range, you'll get a #NUM! error — guard with IFERROR if needed.
Need it for your exact data?
Describe your columns in plain English and get the precise formula for your sheet, with the right Excel or Sheets syntax.
Frequently asked
What if there are duplicate values?
SMALL treats duplicates as separate entries. =SMALL(range,1) and =SMALL(range,2) will both return the same number if the two smallest values are equal.
Can I use SMALL with a condition?
Not directly. Use an array formula like =SMALL(IF(A2:A6="East",B2:B6),1) confirmed with Ctrl+Shift+Enter in Excel, or as a regular formula in Google Sheets.
More on RANK & statistical aggregates
See all →Reference
RANK.EQ
Returns the rank of a number in a list, assigning the same rank to ties (same as RANK). Essential for leaderboards.
How-toHow to rank values
Rank a number against a list with RANK — highest first or lowest first. Works the same in Excel and Google Sheets.
ReferenceRANK.AVG
Returns the rank of a number, averaging ranks for ties. Useful in statistical analysis where tied ranks should not cluster.
How-toHow to calculate standard deviation
Measure how spread out your numbers are with STDEV for a sample or STDEVP for a whole population. Works in Excel and Google Sheets.
ReferencePERCENTILE
Returns the k-th percentile value from a dataset. Useful for performance benchmarking and threshold analysis.
How-toHow to calculate a weighted average
Combine values and their weights with SUMPRODUCT divided by the total weight. Works the same in Excel and Google Sheets.