When compiling reports or analyzing data of various products, quantities,... in Excel, dividing rankings becomes essential. Ranking in Excel becomes remarkably simple thanks to the Rank function.
In the following article, we will guide you through using Excel's Rank function easily and swiftly in just a few steps.
What is Excel's Rank function?
Excel's Rank function is used for ranking data or graphs. By using this function, you can easily sort and rank data in either descending or ascending order. The Rank function serves a similar purpose to sorting data but is superior and more optimized.
When to use the Rank function?
- Utilize the Rank function to sort data either from high to low or from low to high.
- Alternatively, when you need to rank data from low to high.
Benefits of Using the Rank Function in Excel
The Rank function in Excel is deemed an extremely useful and flexible tool, enabling users to swiftly rank values in a dataset accurately. Its flexibility lies in its ability to rank from high to low or from low to high, depending on specific user requirements. This significantly saves time, especially when dealing with large datasets.

Moreover, employing the Rank function enhances transparency and objectivity in evaluating and comparing work performance or achieved results. Users can easily discern the specific position of a value compared to others, facilitating more precise and fair decision-making. Furthermore, the Rank function bolsters data analysis capabilities, allowing for the easy identification of trends and underlying patterns, thereby suggesting appropriate solutions and strategies.
Finally, utilizing the Rank function saves time and effort, as users no longer need to manually perform complex sorting and calculations. This function automatically handles everything; just input the formula and set the appropriate parameters. This streamlines the workflow, ensuring high work efficiency and delivering accurate, reliable results.
Guide to Using the Rank Function in Excel for Ranking
Excel Rank Function Formula
With the Rank function formula, you can either check a specific number or determine its position in the table. Use the following formula:
Rank function formula=RANK(number,ref, [order])
Where:
- Number: The value you want to rank.
- Ref: List of numbers to be sorted
- Order: The order for ranking, sorting type (ascending or descending). If Order = 0, the ranking will be in descending order. If Order = 1, the ranking will be in ascending order.
Using Excel Rank Function to Rank in Descending Order
Step 1: In the cell at the top of the column you want to Rank > Enter the formula =RANK(F2,$F$2:$F$5,0).
Step 2: After entering the function for ranking, press Enter to get the result. At this point, the table will return the result as 3, meaning Tran Minh Anh is ranked 3.
Step 3: Next, to display all ranks of the next students, move the mouse pointer to the bottom right corner of the cell containing the result > Now, a plus sign appears, hold the mouse and drag down until the end of the list.
Step 4: The result after completion:
- In case the data table contains duplicate numbers, when ranking is performed, they tend to share the same rank and affect the next ranks.
- For example, in the following data table, there is the number 8.666667 appearing twice, then these 2 individuals will share rank 1. Therefore, when the next rank is 2 for score 8 it will be affected and the rank will change to rank 4.
Using Rank function to rank from low to high.
Note: When ranking in ascending order, the ranking needs to be reversed. This means that the higher the score in the table, the lower the position and vice versa. When using the rank function to count in ascending order, order = 1.
Step 1: Enter the formula into the first cell of the table to be ranked using the following function: =RANK(B2,$B$2:$B$5,1).
Step 2: Press Enter and the system will return the result to the table. When using this formula, Tran Minh Anh will rank 4.
Step 3: Next, to display the ranking for the entire list, place the mouse pointer at the bottom right corner of the cell containing the first result > Press and hold the mouse to drag down until the end of the list to be ranked.
The result after completion is as follows:
Conclusion
Above, Mytour has provided you with a quick and simple guide on how to use the Rank function in Excel. We hope that our short article will be helpful to you in your endeavors. Wishing you success.
- Explore more: Laptop tricks.