Looker Studio Function : NARY_MAX
Category: Arithmetic function
The NARY_MAX function in Looker Studio helps you identify the maximum value among multiple fields or expressions. It’s ideal for use cases where comparative analysis across various data points is essential. This function supports data-driven decisions, customer segmentation, and performance benchmarking with ease.
Purpose of the NARY_MAX Function
1. Data Distribution Analysis :
NARY_MAX helps understand how different data sources or columns vary in terms of peak values. This is useful in identifying outliers or top-performing segments, offering deeper insight into data patterns.
2. Customer Segmentation :
With NARY_MAX, businesses can classify customers based on their highest interaction levels, purchase volumes, or engagement scores, helping in precise segmentation and targeted marketing strategies.
3. Decision Making :
By extracting the maximum values from multiple KPIs, decision-makers can focus on top-performing strategies or products. This supports informed, metrics-based business decisions.
Type of Calculation:
| Use Case | Description |
|---|---|
| Performance Benchmark | Identify which product, campaign, or channel performs the best across several metrics. |
| Customer Segmentation | Categorize users by their maximum spending, activity level, or frequency of engagement.. |
| Time Series Analysis | Compare monthly or quarterly figures to find peak performance periods across multiple metrics. |
NARY_MAX(value1, value2, ..., valueN)
| Parameter | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| value1 | Number | First numeric field or expression to evaluate |
| value2 | Number | Second numeric field or expression to evaluate |
| valueN | Number | Additional numeric values or fields to compare |
How Does the NARY_MAX Function Work?
The NARY_MAX function evaluates a list of numeric inputs and returns the one with the highest value. It runs on row-level data and can be applied across various dimensions or calculated fields. This function is highly efficient for comparative analysis and highlighting peak values across multiple metrics.
When Should You Use NARY_MAX?
Use NARY_MAX when you need to:
Compare multiple metrics to find the highest one per row.
Create dynamic fields for peak performance tracking.
Highlight leading customer behavior patterns or top metrics.
Example of NARY_MAX with Result
Example 1: Basic Usage
NARY_MAX(Sales_Q1, Sales_Q2, Sales_Q3, Sales_Q4)
Example 2: Column Usage
NARY_MAX([Profit 2023], [Profit 2024])
Result: Helps compare profits across two years.
Example 3: Handling Decimals and Scientific Notation
NARY_MAX handles decimal precision and values in scientific notation accurately, ensuring valid maximum output across complex datasets.
Example 4: Combining with Other Functions
NARY_MAX(ABS(Value1), Value2)
Tips and Tricks
Use in scorecards to highlight top performance KPIs.
Combine with CASE WHEN for rule-based logic.
Ideal for comparative dashboards to showcase peak trends.
NARY_MAX is used to return the highest value among multiple numeric expressions, ideal for comparisons, peak analysis, and data segmentation.
Yes, NARY_MAX automatically ignores null values and evaluates based on available data.
You can pass multiple numeric expressions; there is no strict limit, but performance may vary with too many fields.
Yes. MAX typically operates on one field, while NARY_MAX allows comparison across multiple fields or expressions in a single row.
Absolutely! NARY_MAX works seamlessly with calculated fields, helping you build dynamic and insightful metrics.