SQL MIN() and MAX() Functions

The MIN() and MAX() functions in SQL are aggregate functions used to find the smallest and largest values, respectively, in a set of numbers. They are essential tools for summarizing numerical data.

MIN() and MAX(): Definition and Usage

These functions are very useful for getting a quick understanding of the range of your numerical data. MIN() returns the smallest value, while MAX() returns the largest value in a specified column. Both ignore NULL values.

Syntax


SELECT MIN(column_name) FROM table_name WHERE condition;
SELECT MAX(column_name) FROM table_name WHERE condition;

Example Database: Products Table

The examples below use this sample 'Products' table:

ProductID	ProductName	SupplierID	CategoryID	Unit	Price
1	Chais	1	1	10 boxes x 20 bags	18
2	Chang	1	1	24 - 12 oz bottles	19
3	Aniseed Syrup	1	2	12 - 550 ml bottles	10
4	Chef Anton's Cajun Seasoning	2	2	48 - 6 oz jars	22
5	Chef Anton's Gumbo Mix	2	2	36 boxes	21.35

Examples

Finding the Minimum Price

This query finds the lowest price in the 'Price' column.

Syntax


SELECT MIN(Price) FROM Products;

Output

Finding the Maximum Price

This query finds the highest price in the 'Price' column.

Syntax


SELECT MAX(Price) FROM Products;

Output

Using AS to Name the Output Column

This adds a descriptive name ("SmallestPrice") to the output column.

Syntax


SELECT MIN(Price) AS SmallestPrice FROM Products;

Output


SmallestPrice
-------------
10

Using MIN() with GROUP BY

This finds the minimum price for each category.

Syntax


SELECT MIN(Price) AS SmallestPrice, CategoryID
FROM Products
GROUP BY CategoryID;

Output


SmallestPrice | CategoryID
------------- | -----------
10            | 2
18            | 1