MIN Function (OpenOffice Calc)
The MIN function in OpenOffice Calc returns the smallest 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 MIN function in OpenOffice Calc returns the smallest numeric value from a list of numbers, cell references, or ranges. It is essential for identifying minimum performance values, lowest sales figures, smallest measurements, or any scenario where the bottom value matters.
What the MIN Function Does
- Returns the smallest 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
MIN is ideal for identifying low performers, minimum values, and baseline measurements.
Syntax
MIN(number1; number2; ...)
Arguments:
- number1, number2, … — Individual values, cell references, or ranges
Basic Examples
Find the smallest value in a range
=MIN(A1:A10)
Find the smallest value across multiple ranges
=MIN(A1:A10; C1:C10)
Find the smallest value in a list
=MIN(10; 25; 7; 99)
Result: 7
Find the earliest date
If A1:A5 contains dates:
=MIN(A1:A5)
Result: the earliest date.
Advanced Examples
Find the minimum across sheets
=MIN(Sheet1.A1:A100)
Find the minimum visible value (filtered data)
Use SUBTOTAL:
=SUBTOTAL(5; A1:A100)
Function code 5 = MIN.
Find the minimum with conditions (workaround)
OpenOffice Calc does not have MINIF, but you can use:
=MIN(IF(A1:A100="North"; B1:B100))
Confirm with Ctrl+Shift+Enter.
Find the minimum within a date range
=MIN(IF((A1:A100>=DATE(2025;1;1))*(A1:A100<=DATE(2025;12;31)); B1:B100))
Confirm with Ctrl+Shift+Enter.
Find the minimum excluding zeros
=MIN(IF(A1:A100<>0; A1:A100))
Confirm with Ctrl+Shift+Enter.
Find the minimum in a 3D range
=MIN(Sheet1:Sheet5.A1:A10)
Common Errors and Fixes
MIN 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
MIN includes values you expected it to ignore
MIN includes:
- Dates
- Times
- Numeric results of formulas
MIN excludes values you expected it to include
MIN 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 MIN for numeric datasets
- Use array formulas for conditional minimums
- 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