Function Problems

How to Find the Lowest Supplier Price and Name in Excel

Adam Davis Sep 25, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to identify the lowest price among multiple suppliers in a row and extract the corresponding supplier's name.

How to Find the Lowest Supplier Price and Name in Excel

Product: Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Comparing supplier prices across multiple columns in a spreadsheet to find the best deal per item.
Observed behavior: Needs a formula combination to output both the minimum price value and the name of the supplier offering that price.

Before you start

Ensure your supplier names are located in a single header row and the corresponding item prices are aligned in the columns directly below them before applying the formulas.

Solution 1Recommended

Use MIN, INDEX, and MATCH Functions

Combine the MIN function to find the lowest price, and a nested INDEX/MATCH formula to retrieve the corresponding supplier name from your header row.

This method uses the MIN function to extract the lowest numerical value in a specific row. Once the lowest price is found, the MATCH function locates its relative column position, and the INDEX function fetches the supplier name from the header row.

If a single supplier's data spans multiple columns (for example, 4 columns per supplier), you can nest IF statements within the MATCH function to group the columns and return the correct overarching supplier name.

Calculate the lowest price

Click on the cell where you want the lowest price to appear (e.g., T3). Enter the formula =MIN(G3:R3), where G3:R3 represents the range of prices for that item, and press Enter.

Retrieve the corresponding supplier name

In the adjacent cell for the supplier name (e.g., S3), enter the formula to retrieve the name. If your suppliers span multiple columns (e.g., columns grouped in blocks of 4), enter =INDEX($G$1:$R$1,1,IF(MATCH(T3,G3:R3,0)<5,1,IF(MATCH(T3,G3:R3,0)<9,5,9))) and press Enter.

Apply formulas to all rows

Select both formula cells (S3 and T3). Click and hold the fill handle (the small square at the bottom-right corner of the selection) and drag it down to apply these calculations to the rest of your data rows.

Use Absolute References: Ensure you use absolute references for your header row (like $G$1:$R$1) so the range does not shift when you drag the formula down to other rows.

Manage Data Efficiently

Find the Lowest Prices Easily with WPS Spreadsheet

WPS Spreadsheet fully supports advanced array formulas, MIN, INDEX, and MATCH functions, allowing you to seamlessly analyze complex supplier data and identify the best deals.

1. Open your data file: Launch WPS Office and open your spreadsheet workbook containing the supplier price lists.
2. Enter the formulas: Select your target cells and input the =MIN() and =INDEX() formulas exactly as you would in Microsoft Excel.
3. Fill down the column: Use the intuitive fill handle to drag your formulas downwards, instantly calculating the lowest prices and suppliers for all your inventory items.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formulas and file formats (.xlsx, .xls, .csv).Advanced data analysis and smooth formula calculation capabilities.Free, lightweight, and features a familiar tabbed interface for everyday spreadsheet tasks.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if multiple suppliers offer the same lowest price?

By default, the MATCH function will return the relative position of the very first occurrence it encounters from left to right. To list all tied suppliers, you would need a more complex array formula utilizing the TEXTJOIN and IF functions.

Why is my INDEX MATCH formula returning an #N/A error?

An #N/A error usually indicates that the exact lowest price calculated by the MIN function cannot be found by the MATCH function. This is often caused by trailing spaces in cells, mismatched data types (text vs. numbers), or different column sizes between the INDEX array and MATCH array ranges.

Can I use XLOOKUP instead of INDEX and MATCH for this task?

Yes. If you are using a modern version of your spreadsheet software that supports dynamic arrays, you can use a simpler formula like =XLOOKUP(MIN(G3:R3), G3:R3, $G$1:$R$1) to achieve the exact same result.

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