MAXIFS Function

Excel 2019+, Microsoft 365

Summary

The MAXIFS function returns the maximum numeric value from a specified range that meets multiple user-defined criteria. This powerful conditional maximum function enables precise data analysis by filtering datasets based on complex conditions across multiple columns.

Syntax

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

Parameters

Parameter Type Required Description
max_range Range Yes Range of numeric cells to find maximum value from
criteria_range1 Range Yes First criteria range (must match max_range size)
criteria1 Any Yes First criteria (supports numbers, text, wildcards, expressions)
criteria_range2 Range No Second criteria range (optional, up to 126 pairs)
criteria2 Any No Second criteria (optional)

Using the MAXIFS Function

MAXIFS revolutionizes data analysis by finding maximum values under multiple conditions without array formulas or helper columns. Perfect for sales analysis, performance tracking, inventory management, and any scenario requiring peak values from filtered datasets.

Common MAXIFS Examples

Find Highest Sales for Specific Product

=MAXIFS(C2:C100,B2:B100,"Laptop",D2:D100,">=2024")

Returns highest sales amount for 'Laptop' products in 2024 or later

Maximum Score by Department and Grade

=MAXIFS(B2:B50,A2:A50,"Sales",C2:C50,">=80")

Highest score in Sales department for students scoring 80+ (91 result) as shown in example data

Peak Temperature by Month and Location

=MAXIFS(TempRange,MonthRange,5,CityRange,"New York")

Highest temperature in May for New York city

Top Revenue by Region and Quarter

=MAXIFS(RevenueRange,RegionRange,"North",QuarterRange,"Q4")

Maximum revenue in North region during Q4

Frequently Asked Questions

MAXIFS returns 0 when no cells satisfy all specified conditions.

Yes, use * for multiple characters and ? for single character wildcards.

Yes, max_range and all criteria_ranges must have identical dimensions.

MAXIFS applies multiple criteria filters; MAX finds maximum without conditions.

Common Errors and Solutions

#VALUE! error

Cause: max_range and criteria_ranges have different sizes/shapes

Solution: Ensure all ranges have identical dimensions

#VALUE! error

Cause: criteria_range contains non-matching array sizes

Solution: Verify all range dimensions match exactly

Unexpected results

Cause: Empty criteria treated as 0

Solution: Use explicit criteria or IFERROR wrapper

0 result when expecting value

Cause: No cells match all criteria

Solution: Verify criteria match actual data values

Notes

  • All ranges must have same dimensions (rows × columns)
  • Text criteria are case-insensitive
  • Empty criteria cells treated as 0
  • Supports criteria like ">10", "<>"A", "North*"
  • Ideal companion to MINIFS, SUMIFS, AVERAGEIFS

Compatibility

Available in: Excel 2019, Excel 2021, Microsoft 365

Not available in: Excel 2016 and earlier

Content last reviewed: December 9, 2025
Update frequency: As needed
Excel versions tested: Excel 2019+, Microsoft 365