MAX Function (OpenOffice Calc)
The MAX function in OpenOffice Calc returns the largest numeric value from a list of numbers, ranges, or mixed arguments. Learn syntax, examples, common 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 Apache OpenOffice 4.1.16; original introduction not established.
- Availability: Supported in Apache OpenOffice 4.1.16, 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 MAX function in OpenOffice Calc returns the largest numeric value from a list of numbers, cell references, or ranges. It is one of the most essential statistical functions for identifying peaks, maximum performance values, highest sales figures, or any scenario where the top value matters.
What the MAX Function Does
- Returns the largest numeric value in a dataset
- Ignores text and empty cells
- Includes dates and times (because they are numeric)
- Works across sheets
- Handles large datasets efficiently
- Useful for analytics, dashboards, and reporting
MAX is ideal for identifying top performers, highest values, and peak measurements.
Syntax
MAX(number1; number2; ...)
Arguments:
- number1, number2, … — Individual values, cell references, or ranges
Basic Examples
Find the largest value in a range
=MAX(A1:A10)
Find the largest value across multiple ranges
=MAX(A1:A10; C1:C10)
Find the largest value in a list
=MAX(10; 25; 7; 99)
Result: 99
Find the latest date
If A1:A5 contains dates:
=MAX(A1:A5)
Result: the most recent date.
Advanced Examples
Find the maximum across sheets
=MAX(Sheet1.A1:A100)
Find the maximum visible value (filtered data)
Use SUBTOTAL:
=SUBTOTAL(4; A1:A100)
Function code 4 = MAX.
Find the maximum with conditions (workaround)
OpenOffice Calc does not have MAXIF, but you can use:
=MAX(IF(A1:A100="North"; B1:B100))
Confirm with Ctrl+Shift+Enter.
Find the maximum within a date range
=MAX(IF((A1:A100>=DATE(2025;1;1))*(A1:A100<=DATE(2025;12;31)); B1:B100))
Confirm with Ctrl+Shift+Enter.
Find the maximum excluding zeros
=MAX(IF(A1:A100<>0; A1:A100))
Confirm with Ctrl+Shift+Enter.
Find the maximum in a 3D range
=MAX(Sheet1:Sheet5.A1:A10)
Common Errors and Fixes
MAX returns 0 unexpectedly
Possible causes:
- All values are text
- All values are empty
- Imported numbers stored as text
- Hidden apostrophes (
'123)
Fix: Convert text to numbers:
Data → Text to Columns → OK
MAX includes values you expected it to ignore
MAX includes:
- Dates
- Times
- Numeric results of formulas
MAX excludes values you expected it to include
MAX ignores:
- Text numbers (
"123") - Empty cells
- Logical values (TRUE/FALSE)
- Errors
Err:502 — Invalid argument
Occurs when:
- A malformed range is used
- A text argument is not quoted properly
Err:508 — Missing parenthesis
Usually caused by:
- Missing
) - Using commas instead of semicolons
Best Practices
- Use MAX for numeric datasets
- Use array formulas for conditional maximums
- Convert imported text numbers to real numbers
- Avoid mixing text and numbers in the same column
- Use named ranges for cleaner formulas
- Use SUBTOTAL for filtered data