How To Use Excel LARGE Function – Explained

You might one day come across a situation where you might be required to find the 1st, 2nd and 3rd largest number from a given set of data.

Wondering how to do it?

No problem, we can use excel’s Large function!!!

Let us see how to use it in detail…

1. What is a LARGE Function?
2. What is the Syntax?
3. How to use it with an example?


1. What is a LARGE Function?

The LARGE function can be used to find the nth largest number from a given set of range.


2. What is the Syntax?

=LARGE(Array, N)

  • Array = Array represents the data set from which you want to retrieve the largest number.
  • N = N represents the specifies the position from the largest value in descending order.

Note :

  1. #VALUE! error – Occurs when the supplied N argument is non-numeric.
  2. #NUM error – Occurs when:
    • The array provided is empty.
    • When the value of the N argument is less than 1 or greater than the number of values in the given array.
    • When the range contains an error in it.

3. How to use it with an example?

For a second let’s assume that you are an organizer for a lottery event!!!

As you came home and sat on the couch, your little kid asked you about the prizes.

Shit-Shit-Shit…!!!
With the busy workday, you just forgot the prizes in sequence.

Why not make it a little interesting for your kid, ask him to enter the position(Number) in sequence and allow him to find the prize money… 🙂


***1st Prize***

LARGE 1st


***2nd Prize***

LARGE 2st

***3rd Prize***

LARGE 3st

Hope it has helped you…

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