How to fix #N/A error in MAXIFS Function Guide?

The #N/A error typically occurs when there's an issue with the formula parameters or references. Use AskFormulas to generate validated formulas that avoid these errors.

How to fix #REF! error in MAXIFS Function Guide?

The #REF! error typically occurs when there's an issue with the formula parameters or references. Use AskFormulas to generate validated formulas that avoid these errors.

How to fix #VALUE! error in MAXIFS Function Guide?

The #VALUE! error typically occurs when there's an issue with the formula parameters or references. Use AskFormulas to generate validated formulas that avoid these errors.

How to fix #DIV/0! error in MAXIFS Function Guide?

The #DIV/0! error typically occurs when there's an issue with the formula parameters or references. Use AskFormulas to generate validated formulas that avoid these errors.

How to fix #NAME? error in MAXIFS Function Guide?

The #NAME? error typically occurs when there's an issue with the formula parameters or references. Use AskFormulas to generate validated formulas that avoid these errors.

MAXIFS Function Guide

Master MAXIFS function with examples and error solutions. Find maximum values based on multiple criteria for data analysis in Excel and Sheets.

Excel

Google Sheets

statistical

intermediate

Syntax Preview

Excel

Google Sheets

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

Quick Answer

Comprehensive Explanation

How to Use MAXIFS - Step by Step

## What is the MAXIFS Function?

The MAXIFS function is a powerful conditional statistical function introduced in Excel 2016 and available in Google Sheets, designed to find the maximum value in a dataset that meets multiple specified criteria. It extends the capabilities of the basic MAX function by adding sophisticated filtering capabilities, making it essential for business analysts, data scientists, and financial professionals who need to extract specific maximum values from complex datasets.

### Core Functionality

At its core, MAXIFS operates using a three-step methodology: First, it evaluates each criteria pair against their respective ranges to identify which rows or columns meet all conditions. Second, it filters the max_range to include only values where ALL criteria are satisfied. Finally, it returns the maximum value from this filtered subset. This process ensures accurate results while maintaining flexibility in handling multiple complex conditions.

### When to Use MAXIFS

MAXIFS is the optimal choice when you need to:

1. **Multi-Criteria Analysis:** When finding maximum values requires evaluating multiple conditions simultaneously, such as highest sales for a specific product in a particular region during a defined time period.

2. **Performance Benchmarking:** For identifying peak performance metrics while excluding outliers or specific categories, like finding the best quarterly result excluding test markets.

3. **Conditional Reporting:** In dashboards and reports where maximum values need to update dynamically based on user-selected filters or criteria changes.

### Key Advantages Over Alternatives

While you could use array formulas like {=MAX(IF((condition1)*(condition2), range))}, MAXIFS distinguishes itself through:

- **Cleaner Syntax:** No need for array formula entry (Ctrl+Shift+Enter)
- **Better Performance:** Optimized algorithm faster than array formulas
- **Multiple Criteria Support:** Native handling of up to 127 criteria pairs
- **Intuitive Structure:** Logical flow of range and criteria pairs

### Platform Compatibility

MAXIFS availability and features vary by platform:

- **Excel 365:** Full support with dynamic array integration and spill functionality
- **Excel 2019/2016:** Complete standard implementation
- **Excel 2013 and earlier:** Not available - use array formulas as workaround
- **Google Sheets:** Full compatibility with ARRAYFORMULA integration
- **Excel Online:** Complete functionality with real-time updates

Note: For Excel versions before 2016, use the array formula =MAX(IF((range1=criteria1)*(range2=criteria2), max_range)) as an alternative.

## Step-by-Step Guide to Using MAXIFS

### Step 1: Identify Your Data Structure

Before writing your MAXIFS formula, map out your data layout. Identify the column containing values you want to find the maximum from (your max_range) and the columns you'll use for filtering criteria. Ensure all ranges have the same number of rows to prevent #VALUE! errors. Label your columns clearly for easier formula construction.

### Step 2: Determine Your Criteria

Define the exact conditions for filtering your maximum value. Consider whether you need exact matches ("North"), partial matches using wildcards ("Q4*"), numeric comparisons (" 1000"), or date ranges. Write down your criteria before building the formula to ensure logical consistency. Remember that all criteria use AND logic.

### Step 3: Select Your Result Cell

Click on the cell where you want the maximum value to appear. Position this strategically - often below your data with a descriptive label, or in a summary dashboard area. Consider using cell formatting (bold, borders, or color) to highlight this important result.

### Step 4: Build the Formula

Begin typing =MAXIFS( and follow this sequence:
1. Select your max_range (the values to find maximum from)
2. Select your first criteria_range
3. Enter your first criterion (in quotes if text)
4. Repeat steps 2-3 for each additional criteria pair
5. Close parentheses and press Enter

### Step 5: Validate Results

After executing the formula, verify the result makes sense:
- Manually filter your data to match your criteria
- Check if the maximum value matches your formula result
- Use conditional formatting to highlight qualifying rows
- Try the Formula Evaluate feature (Formulas   Evaluate Formula) to step through the calculation

### Pro Tips for Efficiency

- Use named ranges for frequently referenced data (e.g., 'SalesData', 'Regions')
- Store criteria in cells and reference them for dynamic formulas
- Press Tab to autocomplete range selections while building the formula
- Use F4 to toggle absolute references when copying formulas

Practical Examples

Common Errors and Solutions

#VALUE!

Value error in MAXIFS calculation

Cause:

Criteria ranges have different dimensions than max_range, or non-numeric data in max_range

Solution:

1. Ensure all criteria ranges have the same number of rows/columns as max_range 2. Check that max_range contains only numeric values 3. Verify range references are correct (A2:A100 not A2:B100) 4. Remove any merged cells from ranges

Prevention:

Always select ranges with identical dimensions and verify data types before applying MAXIFS

Frequency: 40%

Example:

Returns 0

MAXIFS returns zero when data exists

Cause:

No values meet all specified criteria, or criteria syntax is incorrect

Solution:

1. Check criteria spelling and formatting (text needs quotes) 2. Verify data types match (numbers vs text) 3. Test each criteria individually 4. Look for extra spaces in data or criteria 5. Ensure date formats match

Prevention:

Use COUNTIFS with same criteria first to verify matches exist

Frequency: 35%

Example:

#NAME?

Excel doesn't recognize MAXIFS

Cause:

Using MAXIFS in Excel version prior to 2016, or typo in function name

Solution:

1. Check Excel version (requires 2016 or later) 2. Verify function spelling 3. For older Excel, use array formula: {=MAX(IF((criteria1)*(criteria2),range))} 4. Consider upgrading Excel version

Prevention:

Confirm Excel version compatibility before using newer functions

Frequency: 15%

Example:

Advanced Tips and Best Practices

In Excel 365, combine MAXIFS with UNIQUE for multiple maximums: =MAXIFS(Sales,Region,UNIQUE(Region)). This creates a spilled array showing maximum values for each unique region automatically.

Use wildcards for flexible text matching: asterisk (*) for any characters, question mark (?) for single character. "North*" matches "Northeast" and "Northwest". Escape wildcards with tilde (~) when needed.

For large datasets (>100,000 rows), avoid full column references. Use specific ranges like A2:A100000 instead of A:A. This can improve calculation speed by 50% or more.

For date criteria, use DATE function or cell references rather than text dates to avoid regional format issues. Store dates in cells and reference them for consistency.

MAXIFS works excellently with MINIFS for range analysis. Calculate the spread with =MAXIFS(...) - MINIFS(...) using identical criteria for both functions.

Related Formulas and Next Steps

Related Formulas

COUNTIFS Function Guide

Master COUNTIFS to count cells with multiple criteria. Learn syntax, see real examples, and solve errors for powerful multi-condition data analysis.

intermediate

statistical

Excel

Validated

View Details

MAX Function - Excel & Sheets

Master the MAX function to find the largest value in your data. Learn syntax, examples, error handling, and best practices for Excel and Google Sheets.

beginner

math

Excel

Validated

View Details

SUMIFS Function

Master SUMIFS to sum cells meeting multiple criteria. Learn conditional summation with practical examples and error solutions in Excel & Google Sheets.

intermediate

math

Excel

Validated

View Details

AVERAGE Function Guide

Master the AVERAGE function with practical examples and error solutions. Learn to calculate mean values and analyze data efficiently in Excel and Sheets.

beginner

statistical

Excel

Validated

View Details