LARGE Function (Gnumeric)

=LARGE(data,k)

• data (required) — the numeric data set to rank, typically a cell range such as B2:B8.
• k (required) — position counted from the largest value. Use a whole number from 1 through the number of numeric items. 1 means the largest, 2 means the second largest; the reference documents #NUM! if k <= 0 or exceeds the number of data items, or if the data set is empty. The official page does not specify how fractional k is coerced, so none of the examples depends on it. Source: Statistics reference.

There is no optional/default argument in the documented two-argument syntax. The official reference marks the function Excel-compatible, but that is not native cross-application testing. Use the formulas here for the Gnumeric 1.12 family; the latest officially checked release for this draft is 1.12.62. Availability depends on the user’s build and enabled plugins. Catalogue; release.

On a narrow screen, scroll this table sideways to see every column.

The negative value is deliberate (a net return), zero represents no net units sold, and the duplicated 42s test tied positions. Put the formulas outside B2:B8. This seven-number range contains no blanks or text; mixed-type coercion is not claimed as tested.

Enter each formula in a separate unused cell:

On a narrow screen, scroll this table sideways to see every column.

Independent ordering check: 42, 42, 30, 18, 7, 0, -5. The results above are arithmetic expectations; each formula still needs to be executed in Gnumeric before labelling them native-tested.

Finding a non-unique runner-up. A sales report with two items tied at 42 should not claim the second-largest distinct amount is 30. =LARGE(B2:B8,2) is expected to return 42, not 30, because the two 42s occupy positions 1 and 2. Use a separate deduplication workflow if your requirement is distinct values; do not assume LARGE deduplicates.

Skip two tied maxima. =LARGE(B2:B8,3) returns 30 for the same sample. This can support an exception report when one wants the third ordered observation—not a guarantee of the third unique amount in general.

Parameterize k. Put 3 in D2 and use =LARGE($B$2:$B$8,D2). Expected value is 30. The $ anchors keep the data window fixed if you copy the formula; D2 remains the selected position. To avoid a documented out-of-range request, use:

=IF(AND(D2>=1,D2<=COUNT($B$2:$B$8)),LARGE($B$2:$B$8,D2),"Choose k between 1 and 7")

With D2=3, expected output is 30. With D2=8, the IF branch is expected to display the explanatory text instead. This example assumes D2 contains an integer; validation for fractional or text input has not been executed in Gnumeric. It uses supported IF, AND and COUNT, so check their worksheet-specific behaviour before importing to another application.

The Gnumeric manual writes function calls with comma-separated arguments (for example LARGE(data,k)). The application uses operating-system locale conventions for entered numbers, dates and currencies; a decimal comma or imported text value may require an input-format check. Do not assume a formula copied from another spreadsheet program has the right separator or cell types without testing your installation. Gnumeric formula syntax; Gnumeric locales.

The Gnumeric function catalogue lists LARGE as Complete / Basic. This is the project’s implementation/testing classification, not a record of testing this draft. The manual marks the function Microsoft Excel compatible. There is no verified claim here about LibreOffice, Apple Numbers or older spreadsheet versions, and this guide does not introduce a new alias or page URL. Gnumeric catalogue; official reference.

• SMALL selects the k-th smallest number instead.
• MAX finds only the maximum; MIN finds only the minimum.
• COUNT counts numeric observations; MEDIAN gives a centre summary.

• Gnumeric Statistics manual: LARGE — official 1.12-family function definition, argument order, #NUM! limits and Excel-compatibility label; accessed 2026-10-11.
• Gnumeric public function catalogue — LARGE Complete / Basic, implementation information; accessed 2026-10-11.
• Gnumeric 1.12.62 release announcement — version context, accessed 2026-10-11; release announcement does not independently re-test this function.
• Gnumeric formula and data-type manual and locale manual — function-argument punctuation and locale note, accessed 2026-10-11.

The syntax and behaviour are based on the Gnumeric references cited above. The sample calculations were independently checked; they are expected results, not outputs observed in Gnumeric. Test locale-sensitive text conversion and imported files in your own installation. View the example-check record.

Official LARGE reference · Editorial standards