DMAX Function (LibreOffice Calc)
The DMAX function returns the maximum numeric value in a database column that matches a set of criteria. It is part of the database function family and supports structured, criteria-based filtering.
Verification status: Consult the documentation and examples below. Native application testing has not been documented for this guide. How formula examples are checked
What the DMAX Function Does
- Returns the maximum numeric value in a specified column
- Applies criteria-based filtering using a criteria range
- Supports multiple criteria columns
- Supports AND/OR logic via criteria layout
- Works with structured database ranges
It is designed to be precise, structured, and ideal for database-style maximum extraction.
Syntax
DMAX(database; field; criteria)
Arguments
-
database:
A range where the first row contains column labels. -
field:
The column to evaluate.- Use column label in quotes (recommended)
- Or use column index (1 = first column)
-
criteria:
A range containing column labels and one or more criteria rows.
Basic Examples
Assume a table in A1:C6:
| A (Name) | B (Age) | C (Score) |
|---|---|---|
| John | 25 | 80 |
| Mary | 30 | 90 |
| Alex | 22 | 70 |
| John | 28 | 85 |
| Mary | 35 | 88 |
Criteria in E1:F2:
| Age | Score |
|---|---|
| >25 | >80 |
Maximum Score matching criteria
=DMAX(A1:C6; "Score"; E1:F2)
Returns 90.
Maximum Age matching criteria
=DMAX(A1:C6; "Age"; E1:F2)
Returns 35.
Using field index
=DMAX(A1:C6; 3; E1:F2)
Returns the maximum Score.
Advanced Examples
Maximum Score where Name = “John”
Criteria:
| Name |
|---|
| John |
Formula:
=DMAX(A1:C6; "Score"; E1:E2)
Maximum Age between 25 and 30
Criteria:
| Age |
|---|
| >=25 |
| <=30 |
Formula:
=DMAX(A1:C6; "Age"; E1:E3)
OR logic (multiple rows)
Criteria:
| Age | Score |
|---|---|
| >30 | |
| >85 |
Formula:
=DMAX(A1:C6; "Score"; E1:F3)
Maximum Score where Name begins with “M”
Criteria:
| Name |
|---|
| M* |
Formula:
=DMAX(A1:C6; "Score"; E1:E2)
Maximum with dynamic criteria
=DMAX(A1:C6; "Score"; H1:I2)
Maximum positive Score
Criteria:
| Score |
|---|
| >0 |
Formula:
=DMAX(A1:C6; "Score"; E1:E2)
Maximum non-blank Score
Criteria:
| Score |
|---|
| <>"" |
Formula:
=DMAX(A1:C6; "Score"; E1:E2)
Edge Cases and Behavior Details
DMAX evaluates only numeric values
Text, blanks, and errors are ignored.
field can be:
- Column label
- Column index
- Cell containing label
criteria must include column labels
Exact match required.
criteria supports:
- Comparison operators
- Wildcards
- Multiple rows (OR)
- Multiple columns (AND)
Empty criteria → returns maximum of all numeric values
If no numeric values match → returns 0
DMAX of an error in database → error ignored
DMAX of an error in criteria → error returned
Criteria rows:
- Each row = OR
- Each column = AND
Common Errors and Fixes
DMAX returns 0 unexpectedly
Cause:
- No numeric values match criteria
- Criteria labels don’t match database labels
- Criteria misaligned
- Field name misspelled
Fix:
- Ensure labels match exactly
- Ensure criteria range includes labels
- Ensure numeric values exist in the target field
Err:502 — Invalid argument
Occurs when:
- field is invalid
- database range malformed
Criteria not applied
Cause:
- Criteria labels not identical to database labels
Best Practices
- Use column labels instead of index numbers
- Keep criteria ranges small and clearly labeled
- Use wildcards for flexible text matching
- Use multiple criteria rows for OR logic
- Use multiple criteria columns for AND logic
- Use DMAX instead of MAXIFS when you need database-style criteria
- Use FILTER (modern Calc) for dynamic extraction
Related Patterns and Alternatives
- Use DMIN for minimum values
- Use DSUM for summation
- Use DAVERAGE for conditional averages
- Use DCOUNT or DCOUNTA for counting
- Use DGET for retrieving a single matching record
- Use MAXIFS for simpler criteria without database structure
- Use FILTER for dynamic row extraction
By mastering DMAX and its companion database functions, you can build powerful, structured, and criteria-driven data workflows in LibreOffice Calc.