This article explores various methods to determine the maximum value in Excel based on specified conditions. Previous tutorials covered the basic MAX function; this article delves into more advanced scenarios using different formulas.

Methods covered include:

• MAX IF with single and multiple conditions
• MAX IF without array formulas
• MAX IF with OR logic
• The MAXIFS function (Excel 2019 and later)

Excel's MAX IF Formula

Prior to Excel 2019, achieving conditional maximums required array formulas combining MAX and IF. The general structure is:

{=MAX(IF(criteria_range=criteria, max_range))}

This formula needs to be entered using Ctrl Shift Enter to function correctly. The curly brackets {} indicate an array formula. For example, to find Jacob's highest long jump score (names in A2:A10, distances in C2:C10):

=MAX(IF(A2:A10="Jacob", C2:C10))

The formula creates an array of TRUE/FALSE values based on the condition, then returns the maximum value from the max_range where the condition is TRUE.

MAX IF with Multiple Criteria

For multiple conditions, nested IF statements or the multiplication operator can be used within the array formula:

Nested IF: {=MAX(IF(criteria_range1=criteria1, IF(criteria_range2=criteria2, max_range)))}

Multiplication (AND logic): {=MAX(IF((criteria_range1=criteria1)*(criteria_range2=criteria2), max_range))}

MAX IF without Arrays

To avoid array formulas, the SUMPRODUCT function can be used:

=SUMPRODUCT(MAX((criteria_range1=criteria1)*(criteria_range2=criteria2)*max_range))

This formula avoids array entry but requires numeric data in the max_range.

MAX IF with OR Logic

To find the maximum value when any of several conditions is true, use the addition operator ( ) within the array formula:

{=MAX(IF((criteria_range1=criteria1) (criteria_range2=criteria2), max_range))}

A non-array equivalent using SUMPRODUCT is also possible, but requires handling non-numeric values appropriately.

MAXIFS Function (Excel 2019 and later)

Excel 2019 and later versions offer the MAXIFS function, simplifying conditional maximum calculations:

=MAXIFS(max_range, criteria_range1, criteria1, criteria_range2, criteria2, ...)

This function directly handles multiple criteria and doesn't require array formulas.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to finding maximum values under various conditions in Excel, catering to different Excel versions and user preferences. A practice workbook is available for download.

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