Many of you have probably used the MIN and MAX formulas in Excel when working with financial models, reporting, and data analysis, comparing and selecting minimum or maximum values in a range is a common requirement. In Workday Adaptive Planning, we achieve these results by using the “least” and “greatest” functions. While these functions serve similar purposes, there are key differences in their syntax, use cases, and behavior. Let’s explore these differences to help you transition smoothly between Excel and Workday Adaptive Planning.
Excel’s MIN and MAX Functions
Syntax and Usage
Excel provides the following functions for determining the smallest and largest values within a range or set of numbers:
- =MIN(number1, number2, …, range) – Returns the smallest number from the given arguments.
- =MAX(number1, number2, …, range) – Returns the largest number from the given arguments.
Examples
- =MIN(5,10,15) – Returns the number 5.
- =MAX(A1:A10) – Returns the highest value within this range of cells.
Syntax and Usage
- Accepts both individual numbers and ranges.
- Ignores blank cells and text values within a range.
- Can handle a large dataset efficiently.
Workday Adaptive Planning’s “Least” and “Greatest” Functions
Syntax and Usage
In Workday Adaptive Planning, similar functionality is achieved using:
- least(value1, value2, …) – Returns the smallest value from the provided list.
- greatest(value1, value2, …) – Returns the largest value from the provided list.
Examples
- least(5, 10, 15) – Returns 5
- greatest([Account1], [Account2], [Account3]) – Returns the highest value among the specified accounts
- greatest(Account1 – Account2, 0) – Returns 0 if the formula results in a negative number
Key Features
- Works with both hardcoded values, account references and formulas.
- Requires specifying individual values explicitly; does not accept a single range like Excel.
- Useful for comparing multiple account balances or forecast values within a model.
Understanding these differences ensures a smoother transition between Excel-based financial modeling and Workday Adaptive Planning. While the fundamental concept remains the same, adjusting for syntax and range-handling nuances will help you leverage these functions effectively in both tools.
Revelwood is an award-winning, Platinum Solution Provider for Workday Adaptive Planning. We build solutions for the Office of Finance that minimize your risk by seamlessly incorporating business analytics into your everyday thinking. By combining the software with our best practices and out-of-the-box applications, we help businesses achieve their full potential with Workday Adaptive Planning.
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