For the min value that is not zero, use the array formula

=MIN(IF(A1:A5>0,A1:A5))

To enter an array formula, commit it with Shift-Ctrl-Enter


"like2hike" wrote:

> I have a range (a1:a5) with values such as:
>
> 0, 5, 25, 0, 3
>
> I want to pick the smallest value other than zero because I will use that
> number to divide by and do not want the #DIV/0! error. However, the initial
> state of the spreadsheet will have a range of:
>
> 0,0,0,0,0,0
>
> How can I have the spreadsheet display some text until data is entered into
> the spreadsheet?