Google Sheets DMAX Function | How to Use DMAX | Get Maximum Value from a Database Field

The Google Sheets DMAX function assists you to get the maximum value from the specified field of a database, based on one or more criterion. The D in the DMAX stands for database.

The criterion range, you have to specify in the formula, should be separate, and have the same labels as the database. Specify the criterion in the cell below the desired header.

Here is the format of the DMAX function in Google Sheets:

=DMAX(database, field, criteria)

Start the formula with the DMAX function with an equal-to symbol.

DMAX is the name of the function.

Database is the array or range that has the data you want to extract. Each cell in the first row of the range has an unique label for each of the columns.

Field is a column number or name from which you want to get the maximum value.

Criterion is the array or range with one or more conditions, based on which to get the maximum value.

Let's look at an example of the DMAX function:

Consider this sample database with four rows and five columns. Assume that the database range spans from cell A1 to cell E4:

Item Code Material Quantity Rack
Cups 100C Steel 300 5
Cups 100CC Ceramic 542 7
Cups 100C Steel 293 5

Consider this criteria range with two two criterion. Assume that the criterion
range spans from cell G1 to cell K2:

Item Code Material Quantity Rack
Cups Steel

Remember, that the cells of the criteria range have the same labels as that of the database.

Here is the formula:

=DMAX(A1:E4,4,G1:K2)

The field number, from which to get the maximum value, is 4. Note that the number of the first column of the database is 1, that of the second column is 2, and so on. You can name a column and specify that instead of the number.

The DMAX function returns 300, as it is the maximum value that satisfies
the criteria, which are item equals Cups and material equals Steel, in the criteria range.

Do take a look at this video tutorial, which gives the steps to use the Google Sheets DMAX function with examples.