SQL Server MAX() Function

The MAX() function in SQL Server is used to find the largest value in a set of values. This is a very common aggregate function used to determine the highest value within a column or the result of a calculation.

MAX(): Definition and Usage

MAX() is an aggregate function, meaning it works on a set of values (usually from a column in a table) to return a single result—the maximum value within that set. It's frequently used in queries to find the highest price, largest quantity, latest date, or greatest value in any numeric column.

Related Function

The MIN() function finds the *smallest* value in a set, as opposed to the largest value returned by MAX().

Syntax

Syntax

MAX(expression)

Parameter Values

Parameter Description
expression A numeric column name, or an expression resulting in a numeric value. This is required.

Example

Finding the Maximum Price

This example finds the highest price among products in a 'Products' table (assuming it has a 'Price' column).

Syntax

SELECT MAX(Price) AS LargestPrice FROM Products;
Output

LargestPrice
------------
99.99  (Example; replace with the actual maximum price from your Products table)

Technical Details

The MAX() function is supported in:

  • SQL Server (starting with version 2008)
  • Azure SQL Database
  • Azure SQL Data Warehouse
  • Parallel Data Warehouse
**Note:** The example output assumes the existence of a `Products` table with a `Price` column containing numeric values. The value 99.99 is a sample; your output will show the actual maximum price from your table.