MAX and MIN Function: When I use the MAX and MIN function in Microsoft Excel, it only gives Zeros (0) as the answer.

Question

When I use the MAX and MIN function in Microsoft Excel, it only gives Zeros (0) as the answer. I want to find the MAX and MIN values in a column of data that has around 28,000 rows (meaning there are about 28,000 values). When I use these functions, it only gives zeros. There are numbers in all of the rows, but I am unsure why this is happening, please help.

Answer 1

It sounds like your table of values is formatted as text. Click on one of the values and check the format type. You can see this just under the word "Help" in the Home tab.

To convert all of the text-formatted numbers at once, type the number "1" in any cell that is a formatted as General or as a Number. Copy that "1" onto the clipboard; then select every cell that has the Text-formatted numbers, right-click on any one of them and select "Paste Special". In the small menu that pops out, select "Paste Special" again. In the next menu, under "Operation", select "Multiply" and "OK". MAX and MIN should now operate as expected.

Answer 2

Hi ZEng08,

As per your description,  yes it might be possible your column value in a table saved as a text instead of number(Numbers that are stored as text ), here is article for your reference to  Convert numbers stored as text to numbers and then try to use MAX and MIN function in Microsoft Excel 365 to check the outcomes.

If still doesn't work, then if it is convenient for you, could you please send your problematic Excel workbook file to me so that I can take a look from my side and I will help you to fix it and send back it to you?

If there is any private information, you can send it to me in Private Message.

I appreciate your understanding and stay safe!!

Best Regards

Waqas Muhammad

Answer 3

Hi ZEng08,

May I know have any updates regarding to this issue? Feel free to post back if you need further assistance.

Best Regards,

Waqas Muhammad