SMALL in WPS Spreadsheet returns the k-th smallest value in a dataset; this guide covers 3 core tasks, with 3 available without membership and 0 membership-related items.
At a Glance
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Core tasks | 3 | Matches the number of rows in the How-to Index |
| Available without membership | 3 | Matches the number of Free rows in the index |
| Membership-related items | 0 | Matches the number of membership-related rows in the index |
About This Feature
Overview
SMALL is a built-in statistical function in WPS Spreadsheet that returns the k-th smallest value from an array or cell range. It is useful for score ranking, sales analysis, percentile-style review, and recurring report calculations where you need the nth smallest value.
This guide covers three common ways to work with the SMALL function: entering it from the Insert Function dialog box, typing the formula directly in a cell, and checking its syntax and parameter details. These entry points are suitable for spreadsheet ranking, nth smallest value lookup, and everyday worksheet analysis in WPS Office on Windows.
System Requirements
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating system | A Windows device |
| App version | It is recommended to use the latest version of WPS Office |
| Network | No mandatory internet connection is required for local SMALL calculations; internet access is needed for downloads or online help |
| Other | WPS Office must be installed, and you should be able to open WPS Spreadsheet files |
Download & Installation
Install WPS Office for Windows before using the SMALL function in WPS Spreadsheet.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Official download | WPS Office Free Download |
| Check after installation | Open WPS Office → open a spreadsheet → go to the Formulas tab and confirm that options such as Insert Function are available |
Source: WPS download page
Compare with Alternatives
| Dimension | WPS | Microsoft | Notion | Adobe | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capability Summary | Supports the SMALL function in WPS Spreadsheet and lets you enter it from the Insert Function dialog box or by typing the formula directly in a cell. | Excel provides SMALL(array, k) to return the k-th smallest value in a data set. | Google Sheets provides SMALL(data, n) to return the nth smallest element from a data set. | Notion formulas support calculations based on database properties, built-ins, and functions, but its official formula help does not present a same-name spreadsheet SMALL function. | Acrobat supports calculated PDF form fields with predefined calculations, simplified field notation, and custom calculation scripts, rather than spreadsheet cell functions. |
| WPS Advantages | Advantage: WPS keeps the SMALL workflow inside a familiar spreadsheet formula interface, including dialog-based entry and direct cell editing for routine worksheet analysis. | Compared with WPS: Excel offers an equivalent SMALL function and is oriented to Excel workbook workflows. | Compared with WPS: Google Sheets offers an equivalent SMALL function and is oriented to browser-based collaborative spreadsheets. | Compared with WPS: Notion is centered on database properties and formula editors instead of traditional worksheet cell formulas. | Compared with WPS: Acrobat is designed for PDF form calculations instead of spreadsheet-style function entry in cells. |
| Official Source | — | SMALL function | SMALL | Intro to formulas | PDF form fields and calculated values |
Overall Conclusion: WPS Spreadsheet, Microsoft Excel, and Google Sheets all support SMALL-style worksheet calculations for returning the nth smallest value. If your work centers on traditional spreadsheet editing and formula entry in WPS Office on Windows, WPS provides a direct and familiar path, while Notion and Adobe focus on database formulas or PDF form calculations.
Use Cases
| No. | Scenario | Suitable for | Core need | How SMALL helps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Score ranking lookup | Teachers and school staff | Need to find the 2nd, 3rd, or other ranked low values quickly | Use SMALL to return the value at a specified rank |
| 2 | Sales data filtering | Sales and operations teams | Need to identify a target value in the lower range of sales data | Enter a SMALL formula for direct analysis |
| 3 | Financial report review | Finance and audit staff | Need to extract a lower-ranked amount from a data range | Fill in parameters through the function dialog box |
| 4 | Reusable worksheet templates | Office users | Need to repeat the same ranking logic across rows or columns | Enter SMALL once, then copy or fill the formula |
| 5 | Formula learning and troubleshooting | New users | Need help understanding syntax and parameters | Check the function description and parameter guidance |
Membership & Benefits
Free vs WPS Premium
| Capability | Free | WPS Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Basic spreadsheet functions in WPS Spreadsheet | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
| Basic PDF features | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
| Cloud storage | 1 GB | 20 GB |
| Templates | Basic templates | More advanced templates |
| Some AI tools | Limited access | More features within daily usage limits |
Source: WPS Office pricing page
Recommendations
| Use case | Recommended plan | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Daily use of SMALL and other basic spreadsheet functions | Free | Core spreadsheet formulas are available for regular work and study |
| Need more cloud storage, templates, or additional tools | WPS Premium | Suitable for users who also need broader add-on capabilities |
How to Subscribe
- WPS membership: Subscribe now
Source: WPS Office pricing page