MySQL MIN() Function
The MIN() function returns the smallest value of the selected column.
The MIN() function works with numeric, string, and date data types.
MIN() Syntax
SELECT MIN(column_name)
FROM table_name
WHERE condition;
Demo Database
Below is a selection from the "Products" table in the Northwind sample database:
| ProductID | ProductName | SupplierID | CategoryID | Unit | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chais | 1 | 1 | 10 boxes x 20 bags | 18.00 |
| 2 | Chang | 1 | 1 | 24 - 12 oz bottles | 19.00 |
| 3 | Aniseed Syrup | 1 | 2 | 12 - 550 ml bottles | 10.00 |
| 4 | Chef Anton's Cajun Seasoning | 2 | 2 | 48 - 6 oz jars | 22.00 |
| 5 | Chef Anton's Gumbo Mix | 2 | 2 | 36 boxes | 21.35 |
MIN() Example
The following SQL returns the lowest price in the Price column, in the "Products" table:
Example
SELECT MIN(Price) AS SmallestPrice
FROM Products;
Tip: When using MIN(), the returned column will not have a name. Use the AS keyword to give the column a descriptive name.
Use MIN() with Date Column
The following SQL returns the earliest BirthDate in the BirthDate column, in the "Employees" table:
Example
SELECT MIN(BirthDate) AS EarliestBirthdate
FROM Employees;
