Skip to main content

Rank Function



How to Use the RANK Function

If you give the RANK function a number, and a list of numbers, it will tell you the rank of that number in the list, either in ascending or descending order.

For example, in the screen shot below, there is a list of 10 student test scores, in cells B2:B11.

To find the rank of the the first student's score in cell B2, enter this formula in cell C2:

=RANK(B2,$B$2:$B$11)

rank function 02

Then, copy the formula from cell C2 down to cell C11, and the scores will be ranked in descending order.

rank function 01

go to top

RANK Function Arguments

There are 3 arguments for the RANK function:

  • number: in the above example, the number to rank is in cell B2
  • ref: We want to compare the number to the list of numbers in cells $B$2:$B$11. Use an absolute reference ($B$2:$B11), instead of a relative reference (B2:B11)so the referenced range will stay the same when you copy the formula down to the cells below
  • order: (optional) This argument tells Excel whether to rank the list in ascending or descending order.
    • Use zero, or leave this argument empty, to find the rank in the list in descending order. In the example above, the order argument was left blank, to find the rank in descending order.
      =RANK(B2,$B$2:$B$11)
    • For ascending order, type a 1, or any other number except zero.
      If you were comparing golf scores, you could type a 1, to rank in ascending order.
      =RANK(B2,$B$2:$B$11,1)

go to top

RANK Function Order

In the RANK function, the 3rd argument (order), is optional. The order argument tells Excel whether to rank the list in ascending or descending order.

Order for RANK function

Descending Order

If you use a zero as the setting for order, or if you don't use the 3rd argument, the rank is set in descending order.

  • The largest number gets a rank of 1
  • The 5th largest number gets a rank of 5.

Order for RANK function

Ascending Order

If you use a 1 as the setting for order, or if you enter any number except zero as the 3rd argument, the rank is set in ascending order.

  • The smallest number gets a rank of 1
  • The 5th smallest number gets a rank of 5.

Order for RANK function

Flexible Formula

Instead of typing the order argument number into a RANK formula, use a cell reference, to create a flexible formula.

For example, type a 1 in cell E1, and link to cell E1 for the order argument.

NOTE: Be sure to use an absolute reference ($E$1), if the formula will be copied down to other rows. If you use a relative reference (E1), the reference will change in each row.

=RANK(B2,$B$2:$B$6,$E$1)

Order for RANK function

By linking to a cell, you can quickly see different results, without changing the formula. Type a zero in cell E1, or delete the number, and the rank will change to Descending order.

Order for RANK function

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What if Analysis

Sometimes, you want to see many different results from various combinations of inputs. Provided that you have only two input cells to change, the Data Table feature will do a sensitivity analysis. Using the loan payment example, say that you want to calculate the price for a variety of principal balances and for a variety of terms. Make sure that the formula you want to model is in the top-left corner of a range. Put various values for one variable down the left column and various values for another variable across the top. From the Data tab, select What-If Analysis, Data Table.... You have values along the top row of the input table. You want Excel to plug those values into a certain input cell. Specify that input cell for Row Input Cell. You have values along the left column. You want those plugged into another input cell. Specify that cell for the Column Input Cell. When you click OK, Excel repeats the formula in the top-left column for all combinations of the top row and left colum...
Post a Comment
Read more

Basics of Microsoft Excel

A. Microsoft Excel Basics of Excel   There are 5 important areas in the screen. 1. Quick Access Toolbar: This is a place where all the important tools can be placed. When you start Excel for the very first time, it has only 3 icons (Save, Undo, Redo). But you can add any feature of Excel to to Quick Access Toolbar so that you can easily access it from anywhere (hence the name). 2. Ribbon: Ribbon is like an expanded menu. It depicts all the features of Excel in easy to understand form. Since Excel has 1000s of features, they are grouped in to several ribbons. The most important ribbons are – Home, Insert, Formulas, Page Layout & Data. 3. Formula Bar: This is where any calculations or formulas you write will appear. You will understand the relevance of it once you start building formulas. 4. Spreadsheet Grid: This is where all your numbers, data, charts & drawings will go. Each Excel file can contain several sheets. But the spreadsheet grid shows few rows & column...
Post a Comment
Read more