RANK Function in Excel

Intermediate

Returns the rank of a number in a list of numbers.

Syntax

=RANK(number, ref, [order])

Example

Use Case

Rank students based on their grades.

Common Errors to Avoid

  • Duplicate values receive the same rank (gaps in ranking)
  • Ref must be absolute reference ($A$1:$A$10) when copying formula
  • Order parameter: 0=descending (largest=1), 1=ascending (smallest=1)

Pro Tips

Use RANK.AVG for average rank of ties, or RANK.EQ for consistent behavior. Always lock the reference range with $. Consider COUNTIFS for more complex ranking criteria.

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RANK Function in Excel | Excel AI Tools