SQL MIN() function
MIN() function
The aggregate function SQL MIN() is used to find the minimum value or lowest value of a column or expression. This function is useful to determine the smallest of all selected values of a column.
Syntax:
MIN ([ALL | DISTINCT] expression )
MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQL Server
All the above platforms support the SQL syntax of MIN.
DB2 and Oracle Syntax:
MIN ([ALL | DISTINCT] expression ) OVER (window_clause)
Parameters:
Name | Description |
---|---|
ALL | Applies to all values. |
DISTINCT | Consider each unique value. DISTINCT is not meaningful with MIN function. |
expression | Expression made up of a single constant, variable, scalar function, or column name or any combination of arithmetic, bitwise, and string operators. MIN can be used with numeric, character, and datetime columns, but not with bit columns. Aggregate functions and subqueries are not permitted. |
Syntax diagram - MIN() function

SQL MIN() on specific column
Sample table: orders
To get the minimum or lowest value of 'ord_amout' from the orders table, the following SQL statement can be used:
SELECT MIN (ord_amount)
FROM orders;
Output:
MIN(ORD_AMOUNT) --------------- 500
SQL MIN() with addition of two columns
Sample table: customer
To get minimum or lowest values of (opening_amt+receive_amt) from the customer table, the following SQL statement can be used:
SELECT MIN (opening_amt + receive_amt) FROM customer;
Output:
MIN(OPENING_AMT+RECEIVE_AMT) ---------------------------- 8000
SQL MIN() on date value
Sample table: orders
To get minimum or smallest value of 'ord_date' from the 'orders' table, the following SQL statement can be used:
SELECT MIN (ord_date) AS "Min Date"
FROM orders;
Output:
Min Date --------- 08-JAN-08
All Aggregate Functions

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