T-SQL equivalent of Excel “MAX” function to return larger of two numbers [duplicate]

Answer 1

I don't know if the function you need exists, but for a workaround, I like this one better

set @max = case when @first > @second then @first else @second end

Answer 2

declare @first int, @second int

select @first=45, @second=123

select max(a) from (select @first a UNION ALL select @second) x

--OR

select max(a) from (values (@first),(@second)) x(a)

Answer 3

Unfortunately not.

A word of warning, for extremely intensive usage, I've found that scalar functions (even those which could be easily inlined with a CASE, like yours) really do not perform well on SQL Server 2005, so if you are dealing with millions of calls, put it inline (sometimes you can fake an inline TVF).

Hopefully, SQL Server will eventually have an inline SVF or have a function equivalent to GREATEST!

Answer 4

You could use:

CASE
   WHEN @First >= @Second THEN @FIRST
   ELSE @Second
END