Ranking Based on Multiple Criteria in Excel (4 Cases)

Often you may need to rank items from a dataset based on multiple criteria. More specifically, you have to accomplish this task when there are ties in one column. In this instructive session, I’ll demonstrate 4 cases with the proper explanation of ranking in Excel based on multiple criteria.

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4 Cases for Ranking Based on Multiple Criteria in Excel

Let’s introduce today’s dataset where Scores of the Student in Math and Psychology are given according to their corresponding Group. Here, D6 and D7 cells are tied in column D. So, let’s apply the ranking with consideration of column E.

1. Using RANK.EQ and COUNTIFS Functions

In the beginning method, I’ll show you the combined use of the RANK.EQ function and COUNTIFS function. To rank based on the two Scores, insert the following formula.

Here, C5 and D5 are the starting cell of Score (Math) i.e. column C, and Score (Psychology) i.e. column D respectively.

⧬ Formula Explanation:

• The RANK.EQ function returns the rank number from the C5:C15 cell range based on the C5 cell. Unfortunately, it provides the same rank for the duplicate scores (e.g. rank number is 7 for C6, C7, and C12 cells).
• So, the COUNTIFS function is assigned in descending order (“>”&$D5) to count duplicate scores. For example, the function returns 1 for the C7 cell and 2 for the C12 cell.
• However, when you sum the two outputs i.e. the output RANK.EQ function and the output of the COUNTIFS function, you’ll get the unique rank number for all students.

After pressing ENTER and using the Fill Handle tool, you’ll get the following output.

If you look closely at the above image, you’ll get that the Rank for Robert Smith is 7 (look at the B6:E6 cells) whereas it is 8 for Jim Brown (look at the B7:E7 cells).

Read More: How to Create an Auto Ranking Table in Excel (with Quick Steps)

2. Ranking Based on Multiple Criteria Using COUNTIF and COUNTIFS Functions

Similarly, you may use the COUNTIF function instead of the RANK.EQ function.

Here, I want to rank the scores in ascending order (“<“&$D5).

⧬ Formula Explanation:

• The COUNTIF function counts the number of cells having values greater than the corresponding cell (like C5 for James Smith, C6 for Jim Brown, and so on).
• Lastly, you have to add 1 with the output as the COUNTIF function returns 0 for the smallest values i.e. for the C13 cell.

So, the output will be as follows.

Read More: Rank IF Formula in Excel (5 Examples)

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3. Applying RANK and SUMPRODUCT Functions 

Also, you can utilize both the RANK function and SUMPRODUCT function for ranking the items based on multiple criteria.

Now, look at the following dataset from where you need to rank based on the GRE Score (Quant) and Financial Aid. But the cell values of C10 and C11 are tied.

So, insert the following combined formula.

⧬ Formula Explanation:

• The RANK function returns the rank number from the $C$5:$C$15 cell range based on the C5 cell with the duplicates value in the C10 and C11 cells (the rank number is 2).
• And, the SUMPRODUCT function finds 0 in case of no tied values. But it returns 1 for the C10 cell.
• Notably, the (—) operator is used to return 1 instead of getting TRUE and 0 for FALSE.
• Thus, you can easily avoid the duplicate rank number using this formula.

Finally, the output will look as follows.

Instead of utilizing the RANK function, you can use the COUNTIF function. But you have to add 1 in that case.

Certainly, you’ll get the same output.

Read More: How to Stack Rank Employees in Excel (3 Methods)

4. Ranking with Multiple Criteria by Group

What if you have some common Groups in your dataset? For example, the Science group covers C5:C6 and C11:C12 cells.

Fortunately, you can get the unique rank number dealing with both Group and Score. We have functions that can help us for ranking in Excel based on multiple criteria on groups.

4.1. Using COUNTIFS Function

Using the COUNTIFS function, you can easily rank the Score by the assigned Group in descending order (“>”&D5).

⧬ Formula Explanation:

• The COUNTIFS($C$5:$C$15,C5) returns 4 as there are 4 strings available namely Science.
• And, the COUNTIFS($C$5:$C$15,C5,$D$5:$D$15,”>”&D5) syntax returns 0 for the highest scores (e.g. for the E6 cell). That’s why you need to add 1.

Here, the scores are ranked based on the Group separately. For example, Jim Brown (B6 cell) is ranked 1st though the score of Mary Smith (B13 cell) is greeted than him.

Read More: How to Rank Within Group in Excel (3 Methods)

4.2. Using SUMPRODUCT Function

Similarly, you can use the following formula where the SUMPRODUCT function is used (ranking in ascending order).

⧬ Formula Explanation:

• The SUMPRODUCT((C5=$C$5:$C$15) returns 0.
• Besides, the SUMPRODUCT((C5=$C$5:$C$15)*($D5<$D$5:$D$15)) finds 2. But the SUMPRODUCT function returns for E7 cell is 0 as it is the smallest score. So, you need to 1 to avoid such type of error.

Read More: How to Rank Average in Excel (4 Common Scenarios)

Conclusion

That’s the end of today’s session. This is how you may accomplish raking in Excel based on multiple criteria. Anyway, if you have any queries or recommendations, please share them in the comments section.

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