numeric

LEAST()

Returns the smallest value from a list of expressions.

Description

LEAST returns the lowest value among its arguments — a row-level "min across columns" (unlike the MIN aggregate, which is across rows). LEAST(3, 7, 5) is 3. Use it to cap a value or pick the earlier of two dates.

Syntax

LEAST(expr1, expr2, ...)

Parameters

Name	Description	Optional
expr1, expr2, ...	Two or more expressions of compatible types.	No

Return Type

Returns the same type as the inputs.

Examples

Employees & Departments

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Employees & Departments

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LEAST vs MIN

LEAST compares values within a single row (across columns); MIN is an aggregate that compares rows within a group.

Common Mistakes

NULL handling. A single NULL argument can make the result NULL; wrap inputs in COALESCE if you want to ignore NULLs.
Mixing types. Arguments should be compatible types.
Confusing with MIN. LEAST is per-row, not per-group.

Related functions

GREATEST()

numeric

Returns the largest value from a list of expressions.

MIN()

aggregate

Returns the smallest value in a column across a group of rows.