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SQL MIN Function

Quick summary: The SQL MIN() function returns the smallest value in a column.

SQL MIN Syntax 

SELECT MIN(column_name) FROM table_name WHERE condition
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SQL MIN Basic examples 

SELECT MIN(price) FROM products;
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Output:
Lowest product price

Finds the minimum value.

SQL MIN Real-world usage 

SELECT MIN(created_at) FROM users;
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Output:
First registered user date

Finds earliest timestamps.

SQL MIN Edge cases 

SELECT MIN(price) FROM products WHERE category_id = 999;
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Output:
NULL

Returns NULL when no rows match.

SQL MIN Common mistakes

Using MIN to get full rows

MIN returns a scalar, not a row.

Incorrect
SELECT * FROM products WHERE price = MIN(price);
Correct
SELECT * FROM products ORDER BY price ASC LIMIT 1;

Use ORDER BY + LIMIT for rows.

SQL MIN Frequently Asked Questions

What does MIN() do in SQL?

Returns the smallest value in a column.

Use case of MIN()?

Finding lowest values.

Handles NULL?

Ignores NULL values.

Return type?

Same as column type.

Common mistake?

Expecting sorted results.

Works with GROUP BY?

Yes.

Supports strings?

Yes.

Performance?

Fast with indexes.

Used in analytics?

Yes.

Alternative?

ORDER BY + LIMIT.

Handles dates?

Yes.

Best practice?

Use indexed columns.

SQL MIN Related SQL Keywords