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LARGE Function (LibreOffice Calc)

Math Beginner LibreOffice Calc Introduction not established

The LARGE function in LibreOffice Calc returns the k-th largest value in a dataset. This guide explains syntax, examples, edge cases, errors, and best practices.

Verification status: Consult the documentation, examples and any stated test scope below. How formula examples are checked

Availability and version history

  • Introduced: Documented by LibreOffice 26.8.1.1; original introduction not established.
  • Availability: Supported in LibreOffice 26.8.1.1, verified against its function registry. This identifies a supported release, not a final working version.
  • Scope: Desktop Calc, using the English function name. Availability in other spreadsheet applications is separate.
  • Checked: 2026-10-14 — function reference; versioned support. Documentation/source check; not a new native test. Existing example-specific test claims below retain their stated scope.
The **LARGE** function returns the *k‑th largest* value in a dataset. It is essential for ranking, statistical analysis, percentile calculations, and extracting ordered values from a range.

What the LARGE Function Does

  • Returns the k‑th largest value in a dataset
  • Works with numbers, ranges, and mixed arguments
  • Ignores empty cells automatically
  • Useful for ranking, percentiles, and filtering
  • Works across sheets
  • Supports array‑based analysis

LARGE is the inverse of SMALL.

Syntax

LARGE(range; k)
k must be a positive integer between 1 and the number of numeric values in the range.

Basic Examples

Largest value (k = 1)

=LARGE(A1:A10; 1)

Second largest value

=LARGE(A1:A10; 2)

Fifth largest value

=LARGE(A1:A10; 5)

Using a cell reference for k

=LARGE(A1:A10; B1)

Largest value across multiple ranges

=LARGE((A1:A10; C1:C10); 1)

Advanced Examples

Extract the 1st through 10th largest values (array)

=LARGE(A1:A100; ROW(1:10))

Conditional LARGE (indirect)

LibreOffice has no LARGEIF, but you can simulate it:

=LARGE(IF(B1:B100="North"; A1:A100); 1)

(Confirm with Ctrl+Shift+Enter in older Calc versions.)

LARGE ignoring errors (using AGGREGATE)

=AGGREGATE(14; 2; A1:A10; 3)

LARGE of visible cells only (filtered data)

=AGGREGATE(14; 1; A1:A10; 3)

LARGE excluding zeros

=LARGE(IF(A1:A100<>0; A1:A100); 1)

LARGE across sheets

=LARGE((Sheet1.A1:A10; Sheet2.A1:A10); 3)

LARGE for percentile extraction

=LARGE(A1:A100; ROUNDUP((1 - 0.9) * COUNT(A1:A100); 0))

(Used for 90th percentile.)

Common Errors and Fixes

Err:502 — Invalid argument

Occurs when:

  • k is less than 1
  • k is greater than the number of numeric values
  • The range contains no numeric values

Err:504 — Parameter error

Occurs when:

  • Semicolons are incorrect
  • Range is malformed

LARGE returns wrong result with filtered data

LARGE does not ignore hidden rows.
Use:

=AGGREGATE(14; 1; A1:A10; k)

LARGE includes zeros unexpectedly

Filter them out:

=LARGE(IF(A1:A100<>0; A1:A100); k)

Best Practices

  • Use LARGE for ranking and ordered extraction
  • Use AGGREGATE for visibility‑aware or error‑tolerant LARGE
  • Use array formulas for conditional or multi‑value extraction
  • Clean imported data before analysis
  • Use named ranges for cleaner formulas
LARGE is perfect for extracting the highest N values, building rankings, and performing percentile‑based analysis.