SQL MIN and MAX Functions

SQL Tutorial

Here is a clear and practical guide to the SQL MIN and MAX Functions, including examples, behavior notes, and best practices.

 What SQL MIN and MAX Functions Do

  • MIN() returns the smallest value in a column

  • MAX() returns the largest value in a column

Both work on numeric, text, and date types.

Basic Syntax


 Examples

1. Find the lowest and highest product price


2. Find oldest and newest date


3. MIN/MAX on text (lexicographical order)

Alphabetically first/last value:


 Using MIN/MAX with GROUP BY

Apply MIN/MAX per category or group:


 Important Behavior Notes

✔ NULL values are ignored by both MIN() and MAX()
✔ MIN/MAX work on text, numbers, dates
✔ When mixing with other columns, you must use GROUP BY

 Common Real-World Use Case

Find the earliest and latest login per user:


 

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