Python min() Function

Last Updated : 29 Aug 2026

Python min() function is used to get the smallest element from the collection. This function takes two arguments, first is a collection of elements and second is key and returns the smallest element from the collection.

Syntax of min() Function

It has the following syntax:

Parameters

collection: It is a comma-separated list of elements.
key: Specifies a one-argument ordering function.

Return Values

It returns the smallest element from the collection.

Examples of Python Min() Function

Let's see some examples of min() function to understand it's functionality.

Example 1: Using min() Function to Find the Smallest Number

This example demonstrates how the min() function is used to find the smallest value among multiple numbers.

Python

# Python min() function example
# Calling function
small = min(2225,325,2025) # returns smallest element
small2 = min(1000.25,2025.35,5625.36,10052.50)
# Displaying result
print(small)
print(small2)

Execute Now

Output:

325
1000.25

Example 2: Using min() Function with Strings and Lists

This example demonstrates how the min() function works with strings and lists in Python.

Python

# Python min() function example
# Calling function
small = min('a','A','b','B') # returns smallest element
small2 = min([10,12],[12,21],[13,15])
# Displaying result
print(small)
print(small2)

Execute Now

Output:

A
[10, 12]

Example 3: Finding Smallest String and Shortest List

Let us take another example to demonstrate how to find smallest string and shortest list.

Python

# Python min() function example
# Calling function
small = min("Python","Java","Scala") # returns smallest element
small2 = min([10,12,33],[12,21,55],[13,15], key=len) # returns smallest element's length
# Displaying result
print(small)
print(small2)

Execute Now

Output:

Java
[13, 15]

Next TopicPython Functions

← prev next →

We deliver comprehensive tutorials, interview question-answers, MCQs, study materials on leading programming languages and web technologies like Data Science, MEAN/MERN full stack development, Python, Java, C++, C, HTML, React, Angular, PHP and much more to support your learning and career growth.