MySQL MAX() Function

The MAX() function is used to retrieve the maximum value from a set of values in a column or expression.

Syntax

MAX(expression)

Definition and Usage

• The MAX() function returns the highest value in a specified column or result set.
• It works on both numeric and string data types.
• When used on strings, the function returns the value that is highest in alphabetical order.
• Note: NULL values are ignored.

Parameter Values

Technical Details

• Introduced in: MySQL 4.0
• Return Value: The maximum value from the specified column or expression.

Examples

Example 1: Maximum price in a table

Find the highest product price in the Products table:

SELECT MAX(Price) AS LargestPrice FROM Products;

Output:

LargestPrice
------------
500.00

Example 2: Maximum value in a numeric column

Retrieve the highest age from the Employees table:

SELECT MAX(Age) AS OldestAge FROM Employees;

Output:

OldestAge
---------
65

Example 3: Maximum value in a string column

Find the last name that is alphabetically last:

SELECT MAX(LastName) AS LastAlphabeticalName FROM Customers;

Output:

LastAlphabeticalName
---------------------
Zuckerberg

Related Functions

• MIN(): Returns the minimum value in a set of values.
• AVG(): Returns the average of a set of numeric values.
• SUM(): Calculates the total sum of a numeric column.

Notes

• The MAX() function can be combined with other SQL clauses such as GROUP BY and HAVING to refine results.
• It is commonly used in queries to identify extreme values or to extract specific records.