SMALL function – INDEX MATCH
This article demonstrates how to extract multiple numbers based on a condition and return a sorted list from small to large.
The image above shows the formula in cell C11, it uses the specified value in cell C10 to determine which row it needs to extract numbers from. Cell B5 contains a value that is equal to the condition in cell C10.
The formula extracts the adjacent numbers on the same row and returns those numbers sorted from small to large in cell C11 and cells below as far as needed.
Table of Contents
1. SMALL function - INDEX MATCH
The array formula in cell C11 gets 3 values in one fetch, the INDEX function allows you to do that if you enter 0 (zero) in the row or column argument. The SMALL function then calculates the k-th smallest value of these three values.
1.1 How to enter an array formula
To enter an array formula, type the formula in a cell then press and hold CTRL + SHIFT simultaneously, now press Enter once. Release all keys.
The formula bar now shows the formula with a beginning and ending curly bracket telling you that you entered the formula successfully. Don't enter the curly brackets yourself.
1.2 Explaining formula in cell C11
Step 1 - Find the relative position of condition in B3:B7
The MATCH function returns the location of a specified value in an array och cell range.
MATCH(lookup_value, lookup_array, [match_type])
MATCH($C$10, $B$3:$B$7, 0)
becomes
MATCH("D",{"B";"E";"D";"C";"A"},0)
and returns 3. Value D is found in position 3 in the array.
Step 2 - Get values based on relative position
The INDEX function returns a value from a cell range, you specify which value based on a row and column number. It can also return multiple values if you use 0 (zero) in the row or column argmunets or both.
INDEX($C$3:$E$7, MATCH($C$10, $B$3:$B$7, 0), 0)
becomes
INDEX($C$3:$E$7, 3, 0)
The INDEX function then returns all values on relative row 3 in this cell range $C$3:$E$7: {590, 830, 280}
Step 3 - Extract k-th smallest number
The SMALL function returns the k-th smallest value from a group of numbers.
SMALL(array, k)
SMALL(INDEX($C$3:$E$7, MATCH($C$10, $B$3:$B$7, 0), 0), ROWS($A$1:A1))
ROWS($A$1:A1) returns the number of rows in cell reference $A$1:A1, it grows when you copy the cell and paste it to cells below. This makes the formula extract a new number in each cell below.
SMALL(INDEX($C$3:$E$7, MATCH($C$10, $B$3:$B$7, 0), 0), ROWS($A$1:A1))
becomes
SMALL({590, 830, 280}, 1)
and returns 280 in cell C11.
You can also use the SMALL function to match multiple values, make sure you read this post:Â 5 easy ways to VLOOKUP and return multiple values
2. SMALL function - INDEX MATCH (Excel 365)
The formula in cell C11 extracts numbers from a row that has a value that meets the condition. It then sorts the numbers from small to large.
Formula in cell C11:
2.1 Explaining formula in cell C11
Step 1 - Identify values that meet the condition
The equal sign lets you compare value to value, in this case, value to an array of values. The result is a boolean value TRUE or FALSE and the resulting array is equal in size to the array we compared.
B3:B7=C10
becomes
{"B"; "E"; "D"; "C"; "A"}="D"
and returns
{FALSE; FALSE; TRUE; FALSE; FALSE}.
Step 2 - Filter numbers
The FILTER function lets you extract values/rows based on a condition or criteria.
FILTER(array, include, [if_empty])
FILTER(C3:E7, B3:B7=C10)
becomes
FILTER(C3:E7, {FALSE; FALSE; TRUE; FALSE; FALSE})
becomes
FILTER({360,680,170; 940,290,10; 590,830,280; 620,310,180; 30,350,40}, {FALSE; FALSE; TRUE; FALSE; FALSE})
and returns {590, 830, 280}.
Note that the numbers are comma-delimited meaning they are arranged horizontally.
Step 3 - Transpose values
The TRANSPOSE function allows you to convert a vertical range to a horizontal range, or vice versa.
TRANSPOSE(array)
TRANSPOSE(FILTER(C3:E7,B3:B7=C10))
becomes
TRANSPOSE({590, 830, 280})
and returns {590; 830; 280}.
Step 4 - Sort values
The SORT function lets you sort values from a cell range or array.
SORT(array, [sort_index], [sort_order], [by_col])
SORT(TRANSPOSE(FILTER(C3:E7,B3:B7=C10)))
becomes
SORT({590; 830; 280})
and returns {280; 590; 830}.
Get Excel *.xlsx file
SMALL function - INDEX - MATCH.xlsx
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3 Responses to “SMALL function – INDEX MATCH”
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Hi,
Is there a way to do this same idea, but when your data is organized vertically? You appear to be the only person that I've seen solve my problem - which is, bring back all results based upon a specific date AND sort that data dynamically (smallest number to largest) in a separate tab without having to adjust the sorting manually. I've tried out your file and tried to adjust the formula for my purposes, but am missing something when I do.
Report Tab:
N3 = My manually entered date field to match to
A6 = The first field where the formula & smallest results would go (Then A7, etc).
Data Tab: Fields may contain data, be empty and/or contain a formula
Column C = Date field to compare with N3 (Named range of ArrivalDate (C3 to C500))
Column A = Number to sort by. (Named range of SortCode (A3 to A500))
I've got it working today based upon the smallest row number being returned, but really want it based upon the small value first.
My formula now is: =IFERROR(INDEX(SortCode,SMALL(IF(ArrivalDate=$N$3,ROW(SortCode)),ROW(1:1))-1,),"")
Any suggestions/help are welcome. My first time using Index functionality.
Thank you so much!
Todd
Todd,
try this array formula:
=IFERROR(INDEX(SortCode,MATCH(SMALL(IF(ArrivalDate=$N$3,SortCode),ROWS($A$1:A1)),SortCode,0)),"")
very interesting