How do I rank numbers in Excel?

Use =RANK.EQ(value,range) to rank numbers, with the largest value ranked 1 by default.

What is the difference between RANK.EQ and RANK.AVG?

RANK.EQ gives tied values the same rank. RANK.AVG gives tied values the average of their rank positions.

Why does my formula show an error?

Open the linked error pages (#N/A, #VALUE!, #REF!) from our directory. Most formula posts fail because of data type mismatches, deleted references, or wrong match modes — not because the function name is wrong.

Should I copy formulas down or use a Table?

Copying down is fine for one-off models. Convert the range to an Excel Table when you add rows often — structured references stay readable and break less.

Formulas - 2026-05-12

Rank Formula in Excel

Learn how to rank numbers in Excel with RANK, RANK.EQ, RANK.AVG, descending rank, ascending rank, and tie handling.

What Ranking Does

Ranking assigns positions to values. It is useful for sales rankings, scores, performance tables, and leaderboards.

Basic Rank Formula

\\\ =RANK.EQ(B2,$B$2:$B$100) \\\ This ranks B2 against the full list, with the largest value ranked 1.

Ascending Rank

To rank smallest as 1: \\\ =RANK.EQ(B2,$B$2:$B$100,1) \\\ Use this for times, costs, or error counts where lower is better.

Handle Ties

RANK.EQ gives tied values the same rank. RANK.AVG gives tied values the average of their rank positions. Choose the method that matches your reporting rule.

Related Guides

RANK function RANK.EQ function RANK.AVG function How to Sort in Excel

Formula debugging workflow

Step Action 1 Select the cell and read the formula in the formula bar 2 Use Formulas → Evaluate Formula for nested functions 3 Check for text stored as numbers (green triangle) 4 Fix errors using our formula error guide Go deeper: Compare similar functions · Fix common problems

Frequently asked questions

How do I rank numbers in Excel? Use =RANK.EQ(value,range) to rank numbers, with the largest value ranked 1 by default.
What is the difference between RANK.EQ and RANK.AVG? RANK.EQ gives tied values the same rank. RANK.AVG gives tied values the average of their rank positions.
Why does my formula show an error? Open the linked error pages (#N/A, #VALUE!, #REF!) from our directory. Most formula posts fail because of data type mismatches, deleted references, or wrong match modes — not because the function name is wrong.
Should I copy formulas down or use a Table? Copying down is fine for one-off models. Convert the range to an Excel Table when you add rows often — structured references stay readable and break less.