How to Use the MAX Function in WPS on Windows

Last updated:July 17, 2026

Use MAX through 4 how-to topics, all available without membership, to enter the function, review syntax guidance, reference other sheets, and build nested formulas.

How-to Index

No.TopicMembership
11. Enter the MAX functionFree
22. View formula syntax guidanceFree
33. Use a cross-sheet referenceFree
44. Build a nested formula with MAXFree

How-to Guide

1. Enter the MAX function

Entry point: Formula tab → formula bar or target cell

  1. Open WPS Spreadsheet and select the cell where you want the result.
  2. Type = to start the formula.
  3. Type MAX(.
  4. Enter the values, cells, or range to calculate, then press Enter.

Success Criteria

  • The target cell shows the largest value result.
  • You can continue editing the formula or copy it to other cells.

Tips While Using

  • If you miss the equal sign or closing parenthesis, the formula may not calculate correctly.
  • The referenced content should be numeric or usable in numeric calculation.

2. View formula syntax guidance

Entry point: Formula bar

  1. Select the target cell.
  2. Type =MAX(.
  3. Check the syntax guidance and parameter example shown while editing.
  4. Complete the arguments based on the prompt and confirm the formula.

Success Criteria

  • Syntax guidance appears after the function name is entered.
  • You can continue entering the formula with the displayed parameter format.

Tips While Using

  • If the function name is misspelled, the guidance may not appear as expected.

3. Use a cross-sheet reference

Entry point: Formula bar → sheet tabs

  1. Type =MAX( in the result cell.
  2. Switch to the worksheet that contains the source data.
  3. Select the target cell or range to insert the reference.
  4. Close the parenthesis and press Enter.

Success Criteria

  • The formula includes a cross-sheet reference.
  • The result updates when the referenced data changes.

Tips While Using

  • An incomplete selection can affect the result.
  • The referenced worksheet should be available in the current workbook.

4. Build a nested formula with MAX

Entry point: Formula bar

  1. Select the target cell and type =.
  2. Start the outer or inner formula based on your calculation goal.
  3. Insert MAX( in the needed position and enter the arguments.
  4. Check the parenthesis structure and press Enter.

Success Criteria

  • The cell returns the result of the nested formula.
  • You can continue refining the formula with other functions.

Tips While Using

  • Parenthesis level errors are a common reason for nested formula issues.
  • For longer formulas, editing in the formula bar makes structure checks easier.