EXCEL SOLUTIONS

LARGE function in Excel

Returns the 1st, 2nd, 3rd... largest number in a range.

IntermediateTotals and maths

Syntax

=LARGE(array, k)
Arguments of LARGE
ArgumentWhat it means
arrayThe range of numbers.
kWhich one you want. 1 is the largest, 2 the second largest.

Examples with results

Every result below is calculated by the practice engine on the sample data shown, not typed in by hand.

Class scores (fictional)

RowABCD
1StudentMathsScienceEnglish
2Layla788591
3Omar627058
4Priya958892
5Quinn455261
6Rosa887984
Class scores (fictional) Row 1 holds the headings. All data is fictional. Dates are year-month-day.

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  • =LARGE(B2:B6,2)88

    Second highest Maths score

Office supplies sales (fictional)

RowABCDE
1ItemQtyUnit priceRegionDate
2Pen101.5North2025-01-15
3Notebook512South2025-02-03
4Pen201.5South2025-02-28
5Stapler240North2025-03-10
6Folder153.25East2025-03-22
7Notebook812East2025-04-05
8Pen121.5North2025-04-18
9Marker302South2025-05-02
Office supplies sales (fictional) Row 1 holds the headings. All data is fictional. Dates are year-month-day.

Download CSV

  • =LARGE(B2:B9,3)15

    Third largest order quantity

Try it yourself

Change the formula or switch to other sample data.

Press Calculate to see the result.

The practice box runs in your browser with BDK’s own calculator, which covers about 60 common functions. Cell references work as in Excel (B2, B2:B9). Your formulas are not saved or sent anywhere. For anything unusual, check the result in Excel itself.

How people use LARGE at work

  • Sales

    The top three order sizes.

    =LARGE(B2:B9,1)+LARGE(B2:B9,2)+LARGE(B2:B9,3)65
    Data: Office supplies sales (fictional)
  • Education

    Find the runner-up score.

    =LARGE(D2:D6,2)91
    Data: Class scores (fictional)

Common mistakes and tips

  • k cannot be larger than the number of values or you get #NUM!.

Works in

All versions of Excel, and Google Sheets.

Related formulas

SMALLMAXRANK

Lessons that use it

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