MAX() Function

The MAX() function retrieves the largest value in a specified column. It is commonly used to identify the highest scores, maximum sales figures, or peak performance indicators. The syntax for MAX() is similar to that of other aggregate functions: SELECT MAX(column_name) FROM table_name WHERE condition;. For instance, to find the highest salary in a company, you would execute: SELECT MAX(salary) FROM employees;. Like MIN(), this function ignores NULL values. Identifying maximum values can be critical for understanding competitive advantages, budget allocations, or assessing overall performance. The MAX() function can also be combined with GROUP BY to provide insights into the highest values across different categories, such as the highest sales figures by region.