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RANK.EQ Function

Excel 2007+

Summary

The RANK.EQ function determines the relative position of a specific number within a dataset. Unlike traditional ranking that skips positions for ties, RANK.EQ assigns the highest rank to tied values while adjusting subsequent ranks accordingly.

Syntax

RANK.EQ(number, ref, [order])

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
number	`Number`	Yes	Value whose rank you want to determine in the reference list
ref	`Range/Array`	Yes	List of numbers containing the number to rank; non-numeric values ignored
order	`Number`	No	Optional: 0/omitted = descending rank, nonzero = ascending rank

Using the RANK.EQ Function

RANK.EQ excels at competitive analysis, performance ranking, and position determination where duplicate scores need identical positioning. Use descending order (default) for leaderboards where highest values rank first, or ascending for scenarios like finishing positions.

Common RANK.EQ Examples

Leaderboard Ranking (Descending)

=RANK.EQ(B2,$B$2:$B$6)

Ranks sales amounts where highest value gets rank 1. Duplicates receive same rank, subsequent values skip accordingly.

Race Finishing Positions (Ascending)

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

Ranks race times where lowest time gets rank 1. Tied times share position.

Test Score Percentile Ranking

=RANK.EQ(B2,$B$2:$B$10,1)

Ranks student scores ascending; perfect scores tie for rank 1.

Frequently Asked Questions

Duplicates receive identical rank (top rank of tied group), subsequent ranks skip positions accordingly.

RANK.EQ uses highest rank for ties (10,10,11 = ranks 1,1,3); RANK.AVG uses average (10,10,11 = ranks 1.5,1.5,3).

Yes, only numeric values in the reference range are considered.

Common Errors and Solutions

#N/A Error

Cause: Number not found in reference range

Solution: Verify number exists in ref range or use RANK.AVG for different tie handling

#VALUE! Error

Cause: Invalid order argument

Solution: Use 0/omitted for descending, 1 for ascending

Wrong ranking order

Cause: Order parameter confusion

Solution: 0=descending (largest=1st), nonzero=ascending (smallest=1st)

Notes

Ties receive highest rank of group (Olympic-style ranking)
Default behavior assumes descending order
Correction factor for average ranking: [COUNT(ref)+1-RANK.EQ(num,ref,0)-RANK.EQ(num,ref,1)]/2
Non-numeric values automatically ignored

Compatibility

Available in: Excel 2007, Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 2021, Microsoft 365

Not available in: Excel 2003, Earlier versions

Content last reviewed: December 9, 2025
Update frequency: As needed
Excel versions tested: Excel 2007+