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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

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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)

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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

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