Excel formula to find top 3, 5, 10 values in column or row
This tutorial demonstrates how to efficiently locate the top N values within a dataset and retrieve associated data using Excel formulas. Whether you need the highest, lowest, or those meeting specific criteria, this guide provides solutions.
- Finding Top/Bottom Values
- Locating Top Values in Rows
- Retrieving Matches for Largest/Smallest Values
- Handling Duplicates in Top Value Searches
- Incorporating Criteria for Top Value Selection
- Utilizing the FILTER Function for Top N Values
Excel Formulas for Top 3, 5, 10, or N Values
To identify the highest N values, combine the LARGE and ROWS functions:
=LARGE(values, ROWS(A$2:A2))
For instance, to find the top N values in cells B2:B12, enter this formula in the desired output cell (e.g., D2), then drag down to cover the required number of cells (3 for top 3, 5 for top 5, etc.).

The LARGE function identifies the k-th largest value, while ROWS(A$2:A2) dynamically generates the 'k' value (1, 2, 3...). The absolute reference A$2 keeps the starting row constant, while the relative reference A2 increments with each cell copy.
Excel Formulas for Bottom N Values
To find the lowest N values, use the SMALL function instead of LARGE:
=SMALL(values, ROWS(A$2:A2))

Finding Top N Values in a Row
For horizontally arranged data, replace ROWS with COLUMNS:
=LARGE(values, COLUMNS(A$2:A2)) (for top values)
=SMALL(values, COLUMNS(A$2:A2)) (for bottom values)

Retrieving Data Associated with Top N Values
Use INDEX and MATCH with LARGE (or SMALL) to retrieve data corresponding to top N values:
=INDEX(return_array, MATCH(LARGE(lookup_array, k), lookup_array, 0))

Alternatively, Excel 365 users can simplify this with XLOOKUP:
=XLOOKUP(LARGE(lookup_array, k), lookup_array, return_array)

Handling Duplicate Top Values
For datasets with duplicates, a more robust MATCH function is needed (array formula, Ctrl Shift Enter in pre-365 versions):
=INDEX(return_array, MATCH(1, (lookup_array=LARGE(lookup_array, k))*(COUNTIF(output_range, return_array)=0), 0))

Excel 365 offers a simpler solution using FILTER.
Finding Top Values with Criteria
Use IF statements within the LARGE and MATCH formulas to incorporate criteria:
=LARGE(IF(criteria, values), k)

Again, Excel 365 simplifies this with FILTER.
Using the FILTER Function (Excel 365)
Excel 365's FILTER and SORT functions provide a streamlined approach:
=SORT(FILTER(data, numbers>=LARGE(numbers, n)), sort_index, -1) (Top N)
=SORT(FILTER(data, numbers (Bottom N)

This tutorial provides comprehensive methods for extracting top N values in Excel, catering to various scenarios and Excel versions. A practice workbook is available for download.
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