Quick Answer

MODE.SNGL Function

Returns the single most frequent value, choosing the lowest on a tie.

Syntax

MODE.SNGL

(number1, [number2], ...)

Parameters

Parameter	Description	Required
number1	The first number, cell, or range to evaluate.	Required
number2	Additional numbers, cells, or ranges (optional).	Optional

Basic Example

Most frequent value in a small list

=MODE.SNGL(1,2,2,3,4)

Result2

2 appears twice, more often than any other value.

Advanced Examples

Example 1: Tied frequencies return the smallest mode

Two values share the top frequency

MODE.SNGL returns one value and prefers the lowest when tied.

=MODE.SNGL(1,2,2,3,3,4)

Result: 2

Both 2 and 3 occur twice; the smaller value, 2, is returned.

Example 2: Mode from a range with blanks

Survey tally with gaps

Empty cells are ignored when counting frequencies.

=MODE.SNGL(5,5,5,8,9)

Result: 5

5 occurs three times, the highest frequency in the set.

How MODE.SNGL Works

MODE.SNGL counts the frequency of each numeric value and returns the value with the greatest frequency. When several values tie, it returns the smallest of them. If no value repeats it returns #N/A. Text, logical values, and empty cells are ignored. It is identical in behavior to the legacy MODE.

1

Select the result cell

Click where you want the mode.

2

Enter the formula

Type =MODE.SNGL(range).

3

Press Enter

The most frequent value appears.

Important Notes & Limitations

Returns only a single value even when multiple values tie for the highest frequency.
Returns #N/A when all values are unique.
Ignores text labels, so a repeated category name is not counted.

Common Errors & Fixes

#N/A errorNo value repeats in the supplied data.

Fix: Use MODE.MULT to return all tied values, or confirm the data has duplicates.

Unexpected blank resultRepeated values are stored as text and ignored.

Fix: Convert text entries to numbers before applying MODE.SNGL.

Download Practice File

Practice MODE.SNGL with Real Data

Download a sample CSV file with pre-populated data and practice exercises for the MODE.SNGL function. Works in both Excel and Google Sheets.

Works in Google SheetsCompatible with ExcelIncludes exercises

File format: CSV (comma-separated values) - opens in Excel, Google Sheets, and all spreadsheet apps

Related Functions

AVERAGE

Calculates the mean of the provided numbers.

AVERAGEIF

Averages values that satisfy one condition.

AVERAGEIFS

Averages values that meet all of the specified conditions.

CORREL

Pearson correlation coefficient between two arrays.

COUNT

COUNT returns the count of cells containing numbers in a range.

COUNTA

COUNTA returns the count of all non-empty cells in a range, including text, numbers, and logical values.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MODE.SNGL the same as MODE?

Yes, they behave identically. MODE.SNGL is the name introduced in Excel 2010; MODE remains for compatibility.

How is it different from MODE.MULT?

MODE.MULT can return several values (an array) when multiple modes exist, while MODE.SNGL returns only one.

What happens with a tie?

MODE.SNGL returns the smallest value among those tied for the highest frequency.