The MINIFS function in Google Sheets is a powerful tool that enables users to determine the minimum value within a data range while applying specific criteria. This function is particularly useful for data analysis, allowing for the extraction of relevant values aligned with user-defined conditions.

Syntax

MINIFS(min_range, criteria_range1, criteria1, [criteria_range2, criteria2, ...])

• min_range: The range of cells from which the minimum value will be determined.
• criteria_range1: The first range of cells that will be evaluated against the provided criteria.
• criteria1: The condition that the values in criteria_range1 must meet.
• criteria_range2: (Optional) Additional ranges to evaluate against further criteria.
• criteria2: (Optional) Conditions corresponding to criteria_range2.

Example #1

=MINIFS(A2:A10, B2:B10, ">10")

This function determines the minimum value from the range A2:A10 where the corresponding values in B2:B10 are greater than 10. Result Example: If A2:A10 contains {5, 15, 10} and B2:B10 contains {8, 12, 15}, the result will be 15.

Example #2

=MINIFS(D2:D10, E2:E10, "Red", F2:F10, ">50")

This function identifies the minimum value in the D2:D10 range, filtering for rows where column E has the value “Red” and column F values exceed 50. Result Example: If D2:D10 holds {20, 30, 25}, E2:E10 has {“Red”, “Blue”, “Red”}, and F2:F10 includes {40, 60, 80}, the result will be 25.

Example #3

=MINIFS(G2:G10, H2:H10, "<=5")

This function retrieves the minimum value from G2:G10 where the corresponding values in H2:H10 are less than or equal to 5. Result Example: Given G2:G10 as {100, 5, 15, 10} and H2:H10 as {3, 5, 8, 4}, the result will be 10.

Error handling

• VALUE!: This error occurs when the supplied ranges are of different sizes, or if non-numeric data is present in the min_range.
• REF!: This indicates that one of the referenced ranges does not exist or is incorrectly defined.
• N/A: This error appears when no cells meet the specified criteria, meaning there’s no valid result to return.

Conclusion

In summary, the MINIFS function is an essential tool in Google Sheets, making it easy to find minimum values based on specific criteria. Whether for budgeting, inventory management, or data analysis, mastering this function can enhance your spreadsheet capabilities and improve data-driven decision-making.