SMALL in WPS on Windows: Introduction

SMALL in WPS is a spreadsheet function that returns the nth smallest value in a dataset; this guide covers 4 core tasks, with 4 available without membership and 0 membership-related items.

At a Glance

Metric	Value	Notes
Core tasks	4	Matches the number of rows in the How-to Index
Available without membership	4	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

The SMALL function in WPS Spreadsheet is used to return the nth smallest value from a dataset. It is useful for ranking, sorting support, and range analysis. When you type =SMALL( in a cell, WPS can show syntax guidance, parameter hints, and examples while you edit the formula.

Core capabilities include:

Return the nth smallest value in a selected range for ranking-related analysis.
Show syntax guidance during formula entry for faster input.
Support cross-worksheet references for multi-sheet calculations.
Support nested formulas and automatic recalculation when source data changes.

System Requirements

Item	Requirement
Operating system	A Windows device that can run WPS Office normally
App version	It is recommended to use the latest version of WPS Office
Network	No mandatory internet connection is required for local spreadsheet formulas; internet access is needed for download, installation, and account services
Other	You need to be able to open spreadsheet files and edit formulas in cells

Download & Installation

Item	Details
Official download	WPS Office Free Download
Check after installation	Open WPS Spreadsheet, select any cell, and type `=SMALL(` to confirm that formula guidance appears

Source: WPS download page

Compare with Alternatives

Dimension	WPS	Microsoft	Google	Notion	Adobe
Capability Summary	In WPS Spreadsheet, typing `=SMALL(` lets you view syntax guidance and use parameter input, cross-sheet references, nested formulas, and automatic recalculation in cells.	Excel provides the SMALL function to return the k-th smallest value in a dataset, with the syntax `SMALL(array, k)`.	Google Sheets provides the SMALL function to return the nth smallest element in a dataset, with the syntax `SMALL(data, n)`.	Notion provides database formulas and functions for calculations and list processing, but it is not a cell-based spreadsheet SMALL function.	Adobe mainly provides calculated fields in forms that update values dynamically, rather than a spreadsheet SMALL function.
WPS Advantages	Advantage: Works directly in spreadsheet cells for nth-smallest calculations, ranking support, cross-sheet references, and nested formula workflows.	Compared with WPS: It offers a similar spreadsheet SMALL function with a closely matched purpose.	Compared with WPS: It offers a similar spreadsheet SMALL function with a closely matched syntax pattern.	Compared with WPS: It is oriented to database property formulas instead of direct cell-based SMALL usage.	Compared with WPS: It is oriented to PDF form calculations instead of spreadsheet function workflows.
Official Source	—	Excel SMALL function	Google Sheets SMALL	Notion formula syntax	Adobe calculated fields

Overall Conclusion
WPS SMALL is well suited to spreadsheet tasks that need the nth smallest value, ranking support, and nested calculations in cells. Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets provide closely related spreadsheet functions, while Notion and Adobe focus on database formulas or form calculations for different workflows.

Use Cases

No.	Scenario	Suitable for	Main challenge	How SMALL helps
1	Score ranking extraction	Teachers and trainers	Need to find the 2nd, 3rd, or other ranked scores quickly	Use SMALL to return a value at a specific rank
2	Low-value sales analysis	Sales and operations staff	Need to identify the lowest orders or performance values	Use SMALL to return low values by rank
3	Multi-sheet statistics	Finance and data staff	Data is spread across multiple worksheets	Use SMALL with cross-sheet references
4	Combined formula analysis	Advanced spreadsheet users	Need to reuse ranking results in other calculations	Nest SMALL inside other formulas
5	Dynamic data monitoring	Everyday office users	Rankings need to update after source data changes	Use automatic recalculation with SMALL

Membership & Benefits

Free vs WPS Premium

Capability	Free users	WPS Premium
Basic Writer, Spreadsheet, and Presentation features	✅	✅
Basic spreadsheet functions such as SMALL	✅	✅
Basic PDF features and PDF reading	✅	✅
More PDF conversion, editing, and advanced tools	Limited or partial	✅
Cloud storage	1 GB	20 GB or more depending on plan
AI tools	Some features are limited	More features and usage allowance are available

Source: WPS Office pricing page

Recommendations

Use case	Recommended plan	Why
Everyday spreadsheet work and learning the SMALL function	Free	It already supports formula entry, calculation, and spreadsheet editing
More PDF tools, cloud storage, or AI features	WPS Premium	Suitable for users who need office tools together with more advanced features

WPS membership center: Subscribe now