Google Sheets function
MAX function in Google Sheets
MAX in Google Sheets returns the largest numeric value from the cells, ranges, or numbers you provide. Cells without numbers inside referenced ranges are ignored. Use MAX to find the highest score, latest numeric measurement, largest order, or any other upper bound in a numeric dataset.
Source: Google Docs Editors HelpLast verified Nov 5, 2026
Syntax
=MAX(value1, [value2, ...])Arguments
| Argument | Required | What it means |
|---|---|---|
value1 | Yes | The first value or range to check for the maximum. |
value2, ... | No | Additional values or ranges to check. |
Examples
Find the highest score
| A | B | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Student | Score |
| 2 | Ava | 84 |
| 3 | Ben | 92 |
| 4 | Cara | 88 |
=MAX(B2:B4)Result: 92
92 is the largest numeric value in the score range.
Common mistakes
Passing typed text directly as an argument.
Use cells, numbers, or ranges containing numbers. Direct text arguments can return #VALUE!.
Expecting MAX to return the label beside the largest number.
MAX returns only the number. Use a lookup when you also need the matching label.