How to Use the SMALL Function in WPS on Windows

Last updated:July 20, 2026

Use the SMALL function through 4 how-to topics, all available without membership; start from the How-to Index to enter the function, fill in parameters, use cross-sheet references, and build nested formulas.

How-to Index

No.TopicMembership
11. Enter the SMALL functionFree
22. Fill in parameters by syntaxFree
33. Use SMALL across worksheetsFree
44. Nest SMALL inside other formulasFree

How-to Guide

1. Enter the SMALL function

Entry point: Formula bar or target cell

  1. Open WPS Spreadsheet and select the cell where you want the result to appear.
  2. Type the equals sign = to start a formula.
  3. Type SMALL(.
  4. Check the syntax guidance that appears and confirm the function name and parameter format.
  5. Continue entering parameters or keep the formula ready for the next step.

Success Criteria

  • Interface result: =SMALL( is visible in the cell or formula bar.
  • What you can do next: You can continue entering parameters and complete the calculation.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: If you do not type = first, the content may be treated as plain text.
  • Environment note: You need to work in an editable spreadsheet cell.

2. Fill in parameters by syntax

Entry point: A cell that already contains =SMALL(

  1. Enter the data range in the first argument position, such as A2:A10.
  2. Enter the argument separator.
  3. Enter the rank value in the second argument position, such as 4.
  4. Close the formula, for example =SMALL(A2:A10,4).
  5. Press Enter to calculate the result.

Success Criteria

  • Interface result: The cell shows the calculated result.
  • What you can do next: You can copy the formula to other cells if needed.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: Missing a closing parenthesis, leaving out a parameter, or skipping the separator can cause an error.
  • Environment note: The referenced range should contain data that can be used in the calculation.

3. Use SMALL across worksheets

Entry point: Target result cell

  1. Select the cell where you want the result.
  2. Type =SMALL(.
  3. Switch to another worksheet and select the target data range.
  4. Return to the formula and add the rank parameter.
  5. Press Enter to complete the cross-worksheet calculation.

Success Criteria

  • Interface result: The formula includes a cross-worksheet reference.
  • What you can do next: When the source worksheet changes, the result can update automatically.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: Selecting the wrong worksheet or range can produce an unexpected result.
  • Environment note: The referenced worksheet should keep a valid data range.

4. Nest SMALL inside other formulas

Entry point: Target result cell

  1. Select the cell where you want the combined result.
  2. Start the outer formula.
  3. Insert SMALL(...) where the nth smallest value is needed.
  4. Check the inner and outer parentheses and the parameter order.
  5. Press Enter to view the final result, then observe automatic recalculation after data changes.

Success Criteria

  • Interface result: The formula returns the combined calculation result correctly.
  • What you can do next: You can continue adjusting either the outer or inner parameters.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: Deep nesting can make parentheses mismatches more likely.
  • Environment note: It is helpful to verify the SMALL result first before adding the outer formula.