MAX (T-SQL)

Returns the maximum value in the expression.

Syntax

MAX([ALL | DISTINCT] expression)

Arguments

ALL: Applies the aggregate function to all values. ALL is the default.
DISTINCT: Specifies that each unique value is considered. DISTINCT is not meaningful with MAX and is available for SQL-92 compatibility only.
expression: Is a constant, column name, or function, and any combination of arithmetic, bitwise, and string operators. MAX can be used with numeric, character, and datetime columns, but not with bit columns. Aggregate functions and subqueries are not permitted.

Return Types

Returns a value same as expression.

Important Distinct aggregates, for example AVG(DISTINCT column_name), COUNT(DISTINCT column_name), MAX(DISTINCT column_name), MIN(DISTINCT column_name), and SUM(DISTINCT column_name), are not supported when using CUBE or ROLLUP. If used, Microsoft® SQL Server™ returns an error message and cancels the query.

Remarks

MAX ignores any null values.

For character columns, MAX finds the highest value in the collating sequence.

Examples

This example returns the book with the highest (maximum) year-to-date sales.

USE pubs

GO

SELECT MAX(ytd_sales)

FROM titles

GO

Here is the result set:

-----------

22246

(1 row(s) affected)