DMIN Excel

What Is DMIN Excel Function?

The DMIN function in Excel stands for Database Minimum. It extracts the minimum value from a range of data that meets specific criteria. This function is particularly useful when dealing with complex databases and large amounts of information

In this example, we will explore the DMIN Excel function and its applications in various scenarios. Let’s examine the data presented in the table below:

To begin, select the cell where you wish to input the formula and obtain the desired outcome. For this demonstration, let’s choose cell E4. Now, input the formula precisely as shown below:

=DMIN(A1:B4, “Age”, D1:D2)

Press the Enter key to execute the formula. The corresponding value will be displayed in cell E4.

What Is DMIN Excel Function?

Excel DMIN function uses the database range and the conditions for selection. Users can find the smallest value that matches their criteria.
The DMIN function enables professionals to analyse and organize data efficiently without manual sorting or filtering processes.
It provides a flexible way to manipulate data based on desired parameters, making it an indispensable feature for business analysts, statisticians, and researchers alike.
The function allows professionals to streamline their data analysis tasks within Excel, enhancing productivity and accuracy in decision-making processes.

Syntax

Database – This is the required argument. A database is a collection of cells where the first row specifies the field names.
Field – This is the required argument. It determines the minimum value for the specific column in the database; the field can be a field name.
Criteria – This is the required argument. It is the condition for calculating the minimum value from the database.

How To Use DMIN Function In Excel? (With Steps)

To effectively utilize the DMIN function in Excel, follow these steps.

1. Access From The Excel Ribbon

Choose the empty cell which will contain the result. Go to the “Formulas” tab and click it.
Select the “Insert Functions” option from the menu.
The Insert Function window opens. Select the “Database” option from the drop-down list of categories. Select “DMIN” from the drop-down list of functions.
Select OK.
A window called “Function Arguments” appears. As the number of arguments, enter the value in the “Database,” “Field,” and “Criteria.”
Select OK.

2. Enter The Worksheet Manually

Step 1: Select an empty cell for the output. Type “=DMIN()” in the selected cell. Alternatively, type “=D” and double-click the DMIN function from the list of suggestions shown by Excel.

Step 2: Press the “Enter” key to get the result.

Examples

Examples #1 – Using With One Condition

In the following example, we will explore and apply the concept of the DMIN Excel function to calculate the minimum age of the people based on one condition. The data within the provided table is organized as follows:

To calculate the desired output in cell G4, please follow these steps:

Step 1: Select the cell where you want to enter the formula and calculate the result. For this example, let’s use cell G4. Now, enter the formula exactly as shown below:

=DMIN(A1:D11, “Age”, F1:I2).

Step 2: Press the Enter key. The calculated minimum value will be displayed in cell G4, just like in the provided image.

In this example, we are examining the entire dataset and determining the minimum value based on one condition.

Example #2 – Using With Multiple Conditions

In this example, we’re going to look into the concept of the DMIN Excel function. This function allows us to calculate the minimum age of people based on a multiple condition. Let’s take a look at the data in the table provided:

To get the desired output in cell G4, follow these steps:

Step 1: Choose the cell where you want to enter the formula and get the result. For this example, let’s go with cell G4. Now, enter the formula exactly as shown below:
=DMIN(A1:D11, “Age”, F1:I2).

Step 2: Hit the Enter key. The calculated minimum value will appear in cell G4, just like in the image provided.

In this example, we’re analysing the entire dataset to find the minimum value based on multiple conditions.

Example #3

In the following example, we will apply the concept of the DMIN Excel function to calculate the minimum value based on a specific condition. The data within the provided table is organized as follows:

To calculate the desired output in cell E4, please follow these steps:

Step 1: Select the cell where you want to enter the formula and calculate the result. For this example, let’s use cell E4. Now, enter the formula exactly as shown below:
=DMIN(A1:B10, Sales, D1:E2).

Step 2: Press the Enter key. The calculated minimum value will be displayed in cell E4, just like in the provided image.

In this example, we are examining the entire dataset and determining the minimum value based on a specific condition.

Important Things To Note

The Excel database functions support the use of wildcards in text-related criteria. The “?” wildcard represents any single character, while the “*” wildcard represents any sequence of characters.
In the DMIN Excel function, criteria can enclose multiple rows.
The value in the field argument can either be a name enclosed in double quotes or a cell reference.
It isn’t easy if both the database and criteria ranges have the same headers’ names.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between the DMIN function and the MINIF function in Excel?

• The DMIN function is used with a database table multiple criteria are applied to filter the data before finding the minimum value. There are three arguments: the database range, the field to consider, and the criteria range, specifies the conditions for filtering. Whereas the MINIF function is used with a regular range of cells applied on a single criterion or condition for filtering. There are two arguments: the range to be evaluated and the criteria to be met.
• The DMIN is used for more complex filtering options using multiple criteria within a database table. Whereas the MINIF function uses a simple way to filter based on one criterion within a regular cell range.

2. Explain DMIN Excel function with example.

In the following example, we will apply the concept of the DMIN Excel function to calculate the minimum sales value based on a specific condition. The data within the provided table is organized as follows:

To calculate the desired output in cell E4, please follow these steps:
Step 1: Select the cell where you want to enter the formula and calculate the result. For this example, let’s use cell E4. Now, enter the formula exactly as shown below:
=DMIN(A1:B4, “Sales” , D1:D2)
Step 2: Press the Enter key. The calculated minimum sales value will be displayed in cell E4, just like in the provided image.
In this example, we are examining the entire dataset and determining the minimum value based on a specific condition.

3. What are the limitations of the DMIN function in Excel?

• To find the minimum value in a single column or data range, limiting its usefulness when trying to find the overall minimum value across multiple columns or ranges.
• A specific criteria range must be specified; it can only find the minimum value based on the user’s given condition. This limits flexibility and makes analysing large datasets with complex conditions difficult.
• The DMIN function is case-sensitive when dealing with text values, and inaccurate results are not taken into consideration.

Download Template

This article must help us understand the DMIN Excel Function’s formula and examples. You can download the template here to use it instantly.

DMIN Excel