Summary

To rank a set of numeric values, where the highest value is ranked #1, you can use the RANK function. In the example shown, the formula in D6 is:

=RANK(C6,scores)

Where scores is the named range C6:C13.

Generic formula

=RANK(value,data)

Explanation 

You can use the RANK function to rank numeric values.

RANK has two modes of operation: ranking values where the largest value is #1 (order = 0), and ranking values where the lowest value is #1 (order = 1).

In this case, we are ranking test scores, so the highest value should rank #1, so we omit the order argument, which defaults to zero:

=RANK(C6,scores)

The following formula, which includes order set to zero, is equivalent:

=RANK(C6,scores,0)
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Dave Bruns

Hi - I'm Dave Bruns, and I run Exceljet with my wife, Lisa. Our goal is to help you work faster in Excel. We create short videos, and clear examples of formulas, functions, pivot tables, conditional formatting, and charts.