Excel allows a user to get a value from a range in a certain position, using the LARGE function. This step by step tutorial will assist all levels of Excel users in getting the Nth value from a range of cells.
Figure 1. The result of the LARGE function
Syntax of the LARGE Formula
The generic formula for the LARGE function is:
=IF(array, k)
The parameters of the LARGE function are:
- array – an array of cells where we want to get the Nth value
- k – a position from which we want to get value.
Note that the function ranks an array descendingly, from the greatest value.
Setting up Our Data for the LARGE Function
Our table consists of 2 columns: “Student” (column B) and “Points” (column C). In the cell E3, we want to get the number of points in the second position.
Figure 2. The data for the LARGE function example
Get a Value in Nth Position Using the LARGE Function
In our example, to get the 2nd value from the Points array.
The formula looks like:
=LARGE(C3:C8, 2)
The parameter array is the range C3:C8. The parameter k is 2, as we want to get the value in thesecond position in the array.
To apply the LARGE function, we need to follow these steps:
- Select cell E3 and click on it
- Insert the formula:
=LARGE(C3:C8, 2) - Press enter.
Figure 3. Using the LARGE function to get the 2nd value in the range
As you can see in Figure 3, the second-ranked point value is 89, so this is the result of the function in the cell E3.
Most of the time, the problem you will need to solve will be more complex than a simple application of a formula or function. If you want to save hours of research and frustration, try our live Excelchat service! Our Excel Experts are available 24/7 to answer any Excel question you may have. We guarantee a connection within 30 seconds and a customized solution within 20 minutes.
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