Find Max N Values in a Row and Return Headers in Google Sheets

GiGiKing·March 18, 2024·0 comments

Are you looking for a way to find the maximum values in a row and return the corresponding headers in Google Sheets? Look no further! In this article, I will share with you some handy formulas and techniques to achieve this.

Why Use Google Sheets?

Google Sheets is a powerful tool that allows you to analyze and manipulate data in a spreadsheet format. With its wide range of functions and features, you can easily perform complex calculations and data analysis tasks. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, Google Sheets has something to offer.

Finding Max N Values and Returning Headers

There are several approaches you can take to find the maximum values in a row and return the headers in Google Sheets. Let’s explore some of the recommended combinations of functions that can help you achieve this.

Hlookup-Large

The Hlookup-Large combination is one option you can consider. By using the HLOOKUP and LARGE functions together, you can find the maximum values in a row and return the corresponding headers. Here’s an example formula:

=iferror(Hlookup(large(C4:L4,1),{C4:L4;C3:L3},2,false))

Index-Match-Large

Another option is the Index-Match-Large combination. This combination utilizes the INDEX and MATCH functions to find the maximum values and return the headers. Here’s an example formula:

=iferror(INDEX(C3:L3,MATCH(LARGE(C4:L4,1),C4:L4,0)))

Filter-Large (Recommended!)

If you’re looking for a more efficient and versatile solution, I recommend using the Filter-Large combination. This combination leverages the FILTER function to filter the header row based on the maximum values. Here’s an example formula:

=textjoin(", ",true,iferror(filter(C3:L3,C4:L4=large(unique(C4:L4,true),1)),""))

This formula allows you to easily find the maximum values in a row and return the corresponding headers, even if there are duplicate values.

Finding Max N Values in Every Row

If you have multiple rows of data and want to find the maximum values in each row, you have a couple of options:

Make the header row absolute in the above formulas by using $C$3:$L$3 and copy-pasting the formula down.
Use the BYROW Lambda Helper Function (LHF) to automatically spill the formulas down. Here are the spill-down formulas for each combination:
- Hlookup-Large Spill Down Formula:
```
=byrow(C4:L,lambda(r, iferror(Hlookup(large(r,1),{r;C3:L3},2,false))))
```
- Index-Match-Large Spill Down Formula:
```
=byrow(C4:L,lambda(r, iferror(INDEX(C3:L3,MATCH(LARGE(r,1),r,0)))))
```
- Filter-Large Spill Down Formula (Recommended!):
```
=byrow(C4:L,lambda(r, textjoin(", ",true,iferror(filter(C3:L3,r=large(unique(r,true),1)),""))))
```

Now you have all the tools you need to find the maximum values in a row and return the headers in Google Sheets. Feel free to explore and experiment with these formulas to suit your specific requirements.

To learn more about Google Sheets functions and enhance your skills, I recommend checking out Google Sheets Functions Guide.

That’s it for now. Happy analyzing and enjoy your time with Google Sheets!