Use selector functions to assess, select, and return values in your data.
Selector functions return one or more rows with the selected values from each InfluxQL group.

Each selector function below covers **syntax**, including parameters to pass to the function, and **examples** of how to use the function. Examples use [NOAA water sample data](/influxdb/version/reference/sample-data/#noaa-water-sample-data).

- [BOTTOM()](#bottom)
- [FIRST()](#first)
- [LAST()](#last)
- [MAX()](#max)
- [MIN()](#min)
- [PERCENTILE()](#percentile)
- [SAMPLE()](#sample)
- [TOP()](#top)

## BOTTOM()

Returns the smallest `N` [field values](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#field-value). `BOTTOM()` supports int64 and float64 field value [data types](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/select/#data-types).

{{% note %}}
**Note:** `BOTTOM()` returns the field value with the earliest timestamp if there's a tie between two or more values for the smallest value.
{{% /note %}}

### Syntax

```sql
SELECT BOTTOM(<field_key>[,<tag_key(s)>],<N> )[,<tag_key(s)>|<field_key(s)>] FROM_clause [WHERE_clause] [GROUP_BY_clause] [ORDER_BY_clause] [LIMIT_clause] [OFFSET_clause] [SLIMIT_clause] [SOFFSET_clause]
```

`BOTTOM(field_key,N)`  
Returns the smallest N field values associated with the [field key](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#field-key).

`BOTTOM(field_key,tag_key,N)`  
Returns the smallest field value for N tag values of the [tag key](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#tag-key). Add a comma between multiple tag keys: `tag_key,tag_key`.

`BOTTOM((field_key,N),tag_key,field_key)`  
Returns the smallest N field values associated with the field key in the parentheses and the relevant [tag](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#tag) and/or [field](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#field). Add a comma between multiple tag or field keys: `tag_key,tag_key,field_key,field_key`.

#### Examples

{{< expand-wrapper >}}
{{% expand "Select the bottom three field values associated with a field key" %}}

Return the smallest three field values in the `water_level` field key and in the
`h2o_feet` [measurement](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#measurement).

```sql
SELECT BOTTOM("water_level",3) FROM "h2o_feet"
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 | bottom |
| :------------------- | -----: |
| 2019-08-29T14:30:00Z | -0.610 |
| 2019-08-29T14:36:00Z | -0.591 |
| 2019-08-30T15:18:00Z | -0.594 |

{{% /expand %}}

{{% expand "Select the bottom field value associated with a field key for two tags" %}}

Return the smallest field values in the `water_level` field key for two tag
values associated with the `location` tag key.

```sql
SELECT BOTTOM("water_level","location",2) FROM "h2o_feet"
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 | bottom | location     |
| :------------------- | -----: | :----------- |
| 2019-08-29T10:36:00Z | -0.243 | santa_monica |
| 2019-08-29T14:30:00Z | -0.610 | coyote_creek |

{{% /expand %}}

{{% expand "Select the bottom four field values associated with a field key and the relevant tags and fields" %}}

Return the smallest four field values in the `water_level` field key and the
relevant values of the `location` tag key and the `level description` field key.

```sql
SELECT BOTTOM("water_level",4),"location","level description" FROM "h2o_feet"
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 | bottom | location     | level description |
| :------------------- | -----: | :----------- | :---------------- |
| 2019-08-29T14:24:00Z | -0.587 | coyote_creek | below 3 feet      |
| 2019-08-29T14:30:00Z | -0.610 | coyote_creek | below 3 feet      |
| 2019-08-29T14:36:00Z | -0.591 | coyote_creek | below 3 feet      |
| 2019-08-30T15:18:00Z | -0.594 | coyote_creek | below 3 feet      |

{{% /expand %}}

{{% expand "Select the bottom three field values associated with a field key and include several clauses" %}}

Return the smallest three values in the `water_level` field key for each 24-minute
[interval](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/group-by/#basic-group-by-time-syntax)
between `2019-08-18T00:00:00Z` and `2019-08-18T00:54:00Z` with results in
[descending timestamp](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/order-by/) order.

```sql
SELECT BOTTOM("water_level",3),"location" FROM "h2o_feet" WHERE time >= '2019-08-18T00:00:00Z' AND time <= '2019-08-18T00:54:00Z' GROUP BY time(24m) ORDER BY time DESC
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 |       bottom | location     |
| :------------------- | -----------: | :----------- |
| 2019-08-18T00:54:00Z |        2.172 | santa_monica |
| 2019-08-18T00:54:00Z |        7.510 | coyote_creek |
| 2019-08-18T00:48:00Z |        2.087 | santa_monica |
| 2019-08-18T00:42:00Z |        2.093 | santa_monica |
| 2019-08-18T00:36:00Z | 2.1261441420 | santa_monica |
| 2019-08-18T00:24:00Z |        2.264 | santa_monica |
| 2019-08-18T00:18:00Z |        2.329 | santa_monica |
| 2019-08-18T00:12:00Z |        2.343 | santa_monica |
| 2019-08-18T00:00:00Z |        2.352 | santa_monica |

Notice that the [GROUP BY time() clause](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/group-by/#group-by-time-intervals)
does not override the points’ original timestamps.
See [Issue 1](#bottom-with-a-group-by-time-clause) in the section below for a
more detailed explanation of that behavior.

{{% /expand %}}

{{< /expand-wrapper >}}

### Common issues with BOTTOM()

#### BOTTOM() with a GROUP BY time() clause

Queries with `BOTTOM()` and a `GROUP BY time()` clause return the specified
number of points per `GROUP BY time()` interval.
For [most `GROUP BY time()` queries](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/group-by/#group-by-time-intervals),
the returned timestamps mark the start of the `GROUP BY time()` interval.
`GROUP BY time()` queries with the `BOTTOM()` function behave differently;
they maintain the timestamp of the original data point.

##### Example

The query below returns two points per 18-minute
`GROUP BY time()` interval.
Notice that the returned timestamps are the points' original timestamps; they
are not forced to match the start of the `GROUP BY time()` intervals.

```sql
SELECT BOTTOM("water_level",2) FROM "h2o_feet" WHERE time >= '2019-08-18T00:00:00Z' AND time <= '2019-08-18T00:30:00Z' AND "location" = 'santa_monica' GROUP BY time(18m)
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 | bottom |
| :------------------- | -----: |
| 2019-08-18T00:00:00Z |  2.064 |
| 2019-08-18T00:12:00Z |  2.028 |
| 2019-08-18T00:24:00Z |  2.041 |
| 2019-08-18T00:30:00Z |  2.051 |

_Notice that the first two rows contain the smallest values from the first time interval
and the last two rows contains the smallest values for the second time interval._

#### BOTTOM() and a tag key with fewer than N tag values

Queries with the syntax `SELECT BOTTOM(<field_key>,<tag_key>,<N>)` can return fewer points than expected.
If the tag key has `X` tag values, the query specifies `N` values, and `X` is smaller than `N`, then the query returns `X` points.

##### Example

The query below asks for the smallest field values of `water_level` for three tag values of the `location` tag key.
Because the `location` tag key has two tag values (`santa_monica` and `coyote_creek`), the query returns two points instead of three.

```sql
SELECT BOTTOM("water_level","location",3) FROM "h2o_feet"
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 | bottom | location     |
| :------------------- | -----: | :----------- |
| 2019-08-29T10:36:00Z | -0.243 | santa_monica |
| 2019-08-29T14:30:00Z | -0.610 | coyote_creek |

## FIRST()

Returns the [field value ](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#field-value) with the oldest timestamp.

### Syntax

```sql
SELECT FIRST(<field_key>)[,<tag_key(s)>|<field_key(s)>] FROM_clause [WHERE_clause] [GROUP_BY_clause] [ORDER_BY_clause] [LIMIT_clause] [OFFSET_clause] [SLIMIT_clause] [SOFFSET_clause]
```

`FIRST(field_key)`  
Returns the oldest field value (determined by timestamp) associated with the field key.

`FIRST(/regular_expression/)`  
Returns the oldest field value (determined by timestamp) associated with each field key that matches the [regular expression](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/regular-expressions/).

`FIRST(*)`  
Returns the oldest field value (determined by timestamp) associated with each field key in the [measurement](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#measurement).

`FIRST(field_key),tag_key(s),field_key(s)`  
Returns the oldest field value (determined by timestamp) associated with the field key in the parentheses and the relevant [tag](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#tag) and/or [field](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#field).

`FIRST()` supports all field value [data types](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/select/#data-types).

#### Examples

{{< expand-wrapper >}}

{{% expand "Select the first field value associated with a field key" %}}

Return the oldest field value (determined by timestamp) associated with the
`level description` field key and in the `h2o_feet` measurement.

```sql
SELECT FIRST("level description") FROM "h2o_feet"
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 | first                |
| :------------------- | :------------------- |
| 2019-08-17T00:00:00Z | between 6 and 9 feet |

{{% /expand %}}

{{% expand "Select the first field value associated with each field key in a measurement" %}}

Return the oldest field value (determined by timestamp) for each field key in the `h2o_feet` measurement.
The `h2o_feet` measurement has two field keys: `level description` and `water_level`.

```sql
SELECT FIRST(*) FROM "h2o_feet"
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 | first_level description | first_water_level |
| :------------------- | :---------------------- | ----------------: |
| 1970-01-01T00:00:00Z | between 6 and 9 feet    |             8.120 |

{{% /expand %}}

{{% expand "Select the first field value associated with each field key that matches a regular expression" %}}

Return the oldest field value for each field key that includes the word `level` in the `h2o_feet` measurement.

```sql
SELECT FIRST(/level/) FROM "h2o_feet"
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 | first_level description | first_water_level |
| :------------------- | :---------------------- | ----------------: |
| 1970-01-01T00:00:00Z | between 6 and 9 feet    |             8.120 |

{{% /expand %}}

{{% expand "Select the first value associated with a field key and the relevant tags and fields" %}}

Return the oldest field value (determined by timestamp) in the `level description`
field key and the relevant values of the `location` tag key and the `water_level` field key.

```sql
SELECT FIRST("level description"),"location","water_level" FROM "h2o_feet"
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 | first                | location     | water_level |
| :------------------- | :------------------- | :----------- | ----------: |
| 2019-08-17T00:00:00Z | between 6 and 9 feet | coyote_creek |       8.120 |

{{% /expand %}}

{{% expand "Select the first field value associated with a field key and include several clauses" %}}

Returns the oldest field value (determined by timestamp) in the `water_level`
field key in the [time range](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/time-and-timezone/#time-syntax)
between `2019-08-17T23:48:00Z` and `2019-08-18T00:54:00Z` and
[groups](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/group-by/) results into
12-minute time intervals and per tag.
Then [fill](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/group-by/#group-by-time-intervals-and-fill)
empty time intervals with `9.01`, and it [limit](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/limit-and-slimit/)
the number of points and series returned to four and one.

```sql
SELECT FIRST("water_level") FROM "h2o_feet" WHERE time >= '2019-08-17T23:48:00Z' AND time <= '2019-08-18T00:54:00Z' GROUP BY time(12m),* fill(9.01) LIMIT 4 SLIMIT 1
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
tags: location=coyote_creek
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 | first |
| :------------------- | ----: |
| 2019-08-17T23:48:00Z | 8.635 |
| 2019-08-18T00:00:00Z | 8.504 |
| 2019-08-18T00:12:00Z | 8.320 |
| 2019-08-18T00:24:00Z | 8.130 |

Notice that the [`GROUP BY time()` clause](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/group-by/#group-by-time-intervals) overrides the points' original timestamps.
The timestamps in the results indicate the the start of each 12-minute time interval;
the first point in the results covers the time interval between `2019-08-17T23:48:00Z` and just before `2019-08-18T00:00:00Z` and the last point in the results covers the time interval between `2019-08-18T00:24:00Z` and just before `2019-08-18T00:36:00Z`.

{{% /expand %}}

{{< /expand-wrapper >}}

## LAST()

Returns the [field value](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#field-value) with the most recent timestamp.

### Syntax

```sql
SELECT LAST(<field_key>)[,<tag_key(s)>|<field_keys(s)>] FROM_clause [WHERE_clause] [GROUP_BY_clause] [ORDER_BY_clause] [LIMIT_clause] [OFFSET_clause] [SLIMIT_clause] [SOFFSET_clause]
```

`LAST(field_key)`  
Returns the newest field value (determined by timestamp) associated with the [field key](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#field-key).

`LAST(/regular_expression/)`  
Returns the newest field value (determined by timestamp) associated with each field key that matches the [regular expression](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/regular-expressions/).

`LAST(*)`  
Returns the newest field value (determined by timestamp) associated with each field key in the [measurement](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#measurement).

`LAST(field_key),tag_key(s),field_key(s)`  
Returns the newest field value (determined by timestamp) associated with the field key in the parentheses and the relevant [tag](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#tag) and/or [field](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#field).

`LAST()` supports all field value [data types](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/select/#data-types).

#### Examples

{{< expand-wrapper >}}

{{% expand "Select the last field values associated with a field key" %}}

Return the newest field value (determined by timestamp) associated with the
`level description` field key and in the `h2o_feet` measurement.

```sql
SELECT LAST("level description") FROM "h2o_feet"
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 | last                 |
| :------------------- | :------------------- |
| 2019-09-17T21:42:00Z | between 3 and 6 feet |

{{% /expand %}}

{{% expand "Select the last field values associated with each field key in a measurement" %}}

Return the newest field value (determined by timestamp) for each field key in the `h2o_feet` measurement.
The `h2o_feet` measurement has two field keys: `level description` and `water_level`.

```sql
SELECT LAST(*) FROM "h2o_feet"
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 | last_level description | last_water_level |
| :------------------- | :--------------------- | ---------------: |
| 1970-01-01T00:00:00Z | between 3 and 6 feet   |            4.938 |

{{% /expand %}}

{{% expand "Select the last field value associated with each field key that matches a regular expression" %}}

Return the newest field value for each field key that includes the word `level`
in the `h2o_feet` measurement.

```sql
SELECT LAST(/level/) FROM "h2o_feet"
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 | last_level description | last_water_level |
| :------------------- | :--------------------- | ---------------: |
| 1970-01-01T00:00:00Z | between 3 and 6 feet   |            4.938 |

{{% /expand %}}

{{% expand "Select the last field value associated with a field key and the relevant tags and fields" %}}

Return the newest field value (determined by timestamp) in the `level description`
field key and the relevant values of the `location` tag key and the `water_level` field key.

```sql
SELECT LAST("level description"),"location","water_level" FROM "h2o_feet"
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 | last                 | location     | water_level |
| :------------------- | :------------------- | :----------- | ----------: |
| 2019-09-17T21:42:00Z | between 3 and 6 feet | santa_monica |       4.938 |

{{% /expand %}}

{{% expand "Select the last field value associated with a field key and include several clauses" %}}

Return the newest field value (determined by timestamp) in the `water_level`
field key in the [time range](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/time-and-timezone/#time-syntax)
between `2019-08-17T23:48:00Z` and `2019-08-18T00:54:00Z` and
[groups](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/group-by/) results into
12-minute time intervals and per tag.
Then [fill](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/group-by/#group-by-time-intervals-and-fill)
empty time intervals with `9.01`, and it [limit](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/limit-and-slimit/)
the number of points and series returned to four and one.

```sql
SELECT LAST("water_level") FROM "h2o_feet" WHERE time >= '2019-08-17T23:48:00Z' AND time <= '2019-08-18T00:54:00Z' GROUP BY time(12m),* fill(9.01) LIMIT 4 SLIMIT 1
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
tags: location=coyote_creek
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 |  last |
| :------------------- | ----: |
| 2019-08-17T23:48:00Z | 8.570 |
| 2019-08-18T00:00:00Z | 8.419 |
| 2019-08-18T00:12:00Z | 8.225 |
| 2019-08-18T00:24:00Z | 8.012 |

Notice that the [`GROUP BY time()` clause](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/group-by/#group-by-time-intervals) overrides the points' original timestamps.
The timestamps in the results indicate the the start of each 12-minute time interval;
the first point in the results covers the time interval between `2019-08-17T23:48:00Z` and just before `2019-08-18T00:00:00Z` and the last point in the results covers the time interval between `2019-08-18T00:24:00Z` and just before `2019-08-18T00:36:00Z`.

{{% /expand %}}

{{< /expand-wrapper >}}

## MAX()

Returns the greatest [field value](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#field-value).

### Syntax

```sql
SELECT MAX(<field_key>)[,<tag_key(s)>|<field__key(s)>] FROM_clause [WHERE_clause] [GROUP_BY_clause] [ORDER_BY_clause] [LIMIT_clause] [OFFSET_clause] [SLIMIT_clause] [SOFFSET_clause]
```

`MAX(field_key)`  
Returns the greatest field value associated with the [field key](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#field-key).

`MAX(/regular_expression/)`  
Returns the greatest field value associated with each field key that matches the [regular expression](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/regular-expressions/).

`MAX(*)`  
Returns the greatest field value associated with each field key in the [measurement](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#measurement).

`MAX(field_key),tag_key(s),field_key(s)`  
Returns the greatest field value associated with the field key in the parentheses and the relevant [tag](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#tag) and/or [field](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#field).

`MAX()` supports int64 and float64 field value [data types](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/select/#data-types).

#### Examples

{{< expand-wrapper >}}

{{% expand "Select the maximum field value associated with a field key" %}}

Return the greatest field value in the `water_level` field key and in the `h2o_feet` measurement.

```sql
SELECT MAX("water_level") FROM "h2o_feet"
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 |   max |
| :------------------- | ----: |
| 2019-08-28T07:24:00Z | 9.964 |

{{% /expand %}}

{{% expand "Select the maximum field value associated with each field key in a measurement" %}}

Return the greatest field value for each field key that stores numeric values
in the `h2o_feet` measurement.
The `h2o_feet` measurement has one numeric field: `water_level`.

```sql
SELECT MAX(*) FROM "h2o_feet"
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 | max_water_level |
| :------------------- | --------------: |
| 2019-08-28T07:24:00Z |           9.964 |

{{% /expand %}}

{{% expand "Select the maximum field value associated with each field key that matches a regular expression" %}}

Return the greatest field value for each field key that stores numeric values
and includes the word `water` in the `h2o_feet` measurement.

```sql
SELECT MAX(/level/) FROM "h2o_feet"
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 | max_water_level |
| :------------------- | --------------: |
| 2019-08-28T07:24:00Z |           9.964 |

{{% /expand %}}

{{% expand "Select the maximum field value associated with a field key and the relevant tags and fields" %}}

Return the greatest field value in the `water_level` field key and the relevant
values of the `location` tag key and the `level description` field key.

```sql
SELECT MAX("water_level"),"location","level description" FROM "h2o_feet"
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 |   max | location     | level description         |
| :------------------- | ----: | :----------- | :------------------------ |
| 2019-08-28T07:24:00Z | 9.964 | coyote_creek | at or greater than 9 feet |

{{% /expand %}}

{{% expand "Select the maximum field value associated with a field key and include several clauses" %}}

Return the greatest field value in the `water_level` field key in the
[time range](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/time-and-timezone/#time-syntax)
between `2019-08-17T23:48:00Z` and `2019-08-18T00:54:00Z` and
[groups](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/group-by/) results into
12-minute time intervals and per tag.
Then [fill](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/group-by/#group-by-time-intervals-and-fill)
empty time intervals with `9.01`, and it [limit](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/limit-and-slimit/)
the number of points and series returned to four and one.

```sql
SELECT MAX("water_level") FROM "h2o_feet" WHERE time >= '2019-08-17T23:48:00Z' AND time <= '2019-08-18T00:54:00Z' GROUP BY time(12m),* fill(9.01) LIMIT 4 SLIMIT 1
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
tags: location=coyote_creek
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 |   max |
| :------------------- | ----: |
| 2019-08-17T23:48:00Z | 8.635 |
| 2019-08-18T00:00:00Z | 8.504 |
| 2019-08-18T00:12:00Z | 8.320 |
| 2019-08-18T00:24:00Z | 8.130 |

Notice that the [`GROUP BY time()` clause](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/group-by/#group-by-time-intervals) overrides the points’ original timestamps.
The timestamps in the results indicate the the start of each 12-minute time interval;
the first point in the results covers the time interval between `2019-08-17T23:48:00Z` and just before `2019-08-18T00:00:00Z` and the last point in the results covers the time interval between `2019-08-18T00:24:00Z` and just before `2019-08-18T00:36:00Z`.

{{% /expand %}}

{{< /expand-wrapper >}}

## MIN()

Returns the lowest [field value](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#field-value).

### Syntax

```sql
SELECT MIN(<field_key>)[,<tag_key(s)>|<field_key(s)>] FROM_clause [WHERE_clause] [GROUP_BY_clause] [ORDER_BY_clause] [LIMIT_clause] [OFFSET_clause] [SLIMIT_clause] [SOFFSET_clause]
```

`MIN(field_key)`  
Returns the lowest field value associated with the [field key](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#field-key).

`MIN(/regular_expression/)`  
Returns the lowest field value associated with each field key that matches the [regular expression](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/regular-expressions/).

`MIN(*)`  
Returns the lowest field value associated with each field key in the [measurement](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#measurement).

`MIN(field_key),tag_key(s),field_key(s)`  
Returns the lowest field value associated with the field key in the parentheses and the relevant [tag](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#tag) and/or [field](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#field).

`MIN()` supports int64 and float64 field value [data types](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/select/#data-types).

#### Examples

{{< expand-wrapper >}}

{{% expand "Select the minimum field value associated with a field key" %}}

Return the lowest field value in the `water_level` field key and in the `h2o_feet` measurement.

```sql
SELECT MIN("water_level") FROM "h2o_feet"
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 |    min |
| :------------------- | -----: |
| 2019-08-28T14:30:00Z | -0.610 |

{{% /expand %}}

{{% expand "Select the minimum field value associated with each field key in a measurement" %}}

Return the lowest field value for each field key that stores numeric values in the `h2o_feet` measurement.
The `h2o_feet` measurement has one numeric field: `water_level`.

```sql
SELECT MIN(*) FROM "h2o_feet"
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 | min_water_level |
| :------------------- | --------------: |
| 2019-08-28T14:30:00Z |          -0.610 |

{{% /expand %}}

{{% expand "Select the minimum field value associated with each field key that matches a regular expression" %}}

Return the lowest field value for each numeric field with `water` in the field
key in the `h2o_feet` measurement.

```sql
SELECT MIN(/level/) FROM "h2o_feet"
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 | min_water_level |
| :------------------- | --------------: |
| 2019-08-28T14:30:00Z |          -0.610 |

{{% /expand %}}

{{% expand "Select the minimum field value associated with a field key and the relevant tags and fields" %}}

Return the lowest field value in the `water_level` field key and the relevant
values of the `location` tag key and the `level description` field key.

```sql
SELECT MIN("water_level"),"location","level description" FROM "h2o_feet"
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 |    min | location     | level description |
| :------------------- | -----: | :----------- | :---------------- |
| 2019-08-28T14:30:00Z | -0.610 | coyote_creek | below 3 feet      |

{{% /expand %}}

{{% expand "Select the minimum field value associated with a field key and include several clauses" %}}

Return the lowest field value in the `water_level` field key in the
[time range](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/time-and-timezone/#time-syntax)
between `2019-08-17T23:48:00Z` and `2019-08-18T00:54:00Z` and
[groups](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/group-by/) results into
12-minute time intervals and per tag.
Then [fill](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/group-by/#group-by-time-intervals-and-fill)
empty time intervals with `9.01`, and it [limit](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/limit-and-slimit/)
the number of points and series returned to four and one.

```sql
SELECT MIN("water_level") FROM "h2o_feet" WHERE time >= '2019-08-17T23:48:00Z' AND time <= '2019-08-18T00:54:00Z' GROUP BY time(12m),* fill(9.01) LIMIT 4 SLIMIT 1
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
tags: location=coyote_creek
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 |   min |
| :------------------- | ----: |
| 2019-08-17T23:48:00Z | 8.570 |
| 2019-08-18T00:00:00Z | 8.419 |
| 2019-08-18T00:12:00Z | 8.225 |
| 2019-08-18T00:24:00Z | 8.012 |

Notice that the [`GROUP BY time()` clause](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/group-by/#group-by-time-intervals) overrides the points’ original timestamps.
The timestamps in the results indicate the the start of each 12-minute time interval;
the first point in the results covers the time interval between `2019-08-17T23:48:00Z` and just before `2019-08-18T00:00:00Z` and the last point in the results covers the time interval between `2019-08-18T00:24:00Z` and just before `2019-08-18T00:36:00Z`.

{{% /expand %}}

{{< /expand-wrapper >}}

## PERCENTILE()

Returns the `N`th percentile [field value](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#field-value).

### Syntax

```sql
SELECT PERCENTILE(<field_key>, <N>)[,<tag_key(s)>|<field_key(s)>] FROM_clause [WHERE_clause] [GROUP_BY_clause] [ORDER_BY_clause] [LIMIT_clause] [OFFSET_clause] [SLIMIT_clause] [SOFFSET_clause]
```

`PERCENTILE(field_key,N)`  
Returns the Nth percentile field value associated with the [field key](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#field-key).

`PERCENTILE(/regular_expression/,N)`  
Returns the Nth percentile field value associated with each field key that matches the [regular expression](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/regular-expressions/).

`PERCENTILE(*,N)`  
Returns the Nth percentile field value associated with each field key in the [measurement](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#measurement).

`PERCENTILE(field_key,N),tag_key(s),field_key(s)`  
Returns the Nth percentile field value associated with the field key in the parentheses and the relevant [tag](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#tag) and/or [field](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#field).

`N` must be an integer or floating point number between `0` and `100`, inclusive.
`PERCENTILE()` supports int64 and float64 field value [data types](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/select/#data-types).

#### Examples

{{< expand-wrapper >}}

{{% expand "Select the fifth percentile field value associated with a field key" %}}

Return the field value that is larger than five percent of the field values in
the `water_level` field key and in the `h2o_feet` measurement.

```sql
SELECT PERCENTILE("water_level",5) FROM "h2o_feet"
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 | percentile |
| :------------------- | ---------: |
| 2019-09-01T17:54:00Z |      1.122 |

{{% /expand %}}

{{% expand "Select the fifth percentile field value associated with each field key in a measurement" %}}

Return the field value that is larger than five percent of the field values in
each field key that stores numeric values in the `h2o_feet` measurement.
The `h2o_feet` measurement has one numeric field: `water_level`.

```sql
SELECT PERCENTILE(*,5) FROM "h2o_feet"
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 | percentile_water_level |
| :------------------- | ---------------------: |
| 2019-09-01T17:54:00Z |                  1.122 |

{{% /expand %}}

{{% expand "Select fifth percentile field value associated with each field key that matches a regular expression" %}}

Return the field value that is larger than five percent of the field values in
each numeric field with `water` in the field key.

```sql
SELECT PERCENTILE(/level/,5) FROM "h2o_feet"
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 | percentile_water_level |
| :------------------- | ---------------------: |
| 2019-09-01T17:54:00Z |                  1.122 |

{{% /expand %}}

{{% expand "Select the fifth percentile field values associated with a field key and the relevant tags and fields" %}}

Return the field value that is larger than five percent of the field values in
the `water_level` field key and the relevant values of the `location` tag key
and the `level description` field key.

```sql
SELECT PERCENTILE("water_level",5),"location","level description" FROM "h2o_feet"
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 | percentile | location     | level description |
| :------------------- | ---------: | :----------- | :---------------- |
| 2019-08-24T10:18:00Z |      1.122 | coyote_creek | below 3 feet      |

{{% /expand %}}

{{% expand "Select the twentieth percentile field value associated with a field key and include several clauses" %}}

Return the field value that is larger than 20 percent of the values in the
`water_level` field in the [time range](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/time-and-timezone/#time-syntax)
between `2019-08-17T23:48:00Z` and `2019-08-18T00:54:00Z` and [group](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/group-by/#group-by-time-intervals) results into 24-minute intervals.
Then [fill](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/group-by/#group-by-time-intervals-and-fill)
empty time intervals with `15` and [limit](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/limit-and-slimit/)
the number of points returned to two.

```sql
SELECT PERCENTILE("water_level",20) FROM "h2o_feet" WHERE time >= '2019-08-17T23:48:00Z' AND time <= '2019-08-18T00:54:00Z' GROUP BY time(24m) fill(15) LIMIT 2
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 | percentile |
| :------------------- | ---------: |
| 2019-08-17T23:36:00Z |      2.398 |
| 2019-08-18T00:00:00Z |      2.343 |

Notice that the [`GROUP BY time()` clause](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/group-by/#group-by-time-intervals) overrides the points’ original timestamps.
The timestamps in the results indicate the the start of each 24-minute time interval; the first point in the results covers the time interval between `2019-08-17T23:36:00Z` and just before `2019-08-18T00:00:00Z` and the last point in the results covers the time interval between `2019-08-18T00:00:00Z` and just before `2019-08-18T00:24:00Z`.

{{% /expand %}}

{{< /expand-wrapper >}}

### Common issues with PERCENTILE()

#### PERCENTILE() compared to other InfluxQL functions

- `PERCENTILE(<field_key>,100)` is equivalent to [`MAX(<field_key>)`](#max).
- `PERCENTILE(<field_key>, 50)` is nearly equivalent to [`MEDIAN(<field_key>)`](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/functions/aggregates/#median), except the `MEDIAN()` function returns the average of the two middle values if the field key contains an even number of field values.
- `PERCENTILE(<field_key>,0)` is not equivalent to [`MIN(<field_key>)`](#min). This is a known [issue](https://github.com/influxdata/influxdb/issues/4418).

## SAMPLE()

Returns a random sample of `N` [field values](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#field-value).
`SAMPLE()` uses [reservoir sampling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reservoir_sampling) to generate the random points.

### Syntax

```sql
SELECT SAMPLE(<field_key>, <N>)[,<tag_key(s)>|<field_key(s)>] FROM_clause [WHERE_clause] [GROUP_BY_clause] [ORDER_BY_clause] [LIMIT_clause] [OFFSET_clause] [SLIMIT_clause] [SOFFSET_clause]
```

`SAMPLE(field_key,N)`  
Returns N randomly selected field values associated with the [field key](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#field-key).

`SAMPLE(/regular_expression/,N)`  
Returns N randomly selected field values associated with each field key that matches the [regular expression](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/regular-expressions/).

`SAMPLE(*,N)`  
Returns N randomly selected field values associated with each field key in the [measurement](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#measurement).

`SAMPLE(field_key,N),tag_key(s),field_key(s)`  
Returns N randomly selected field values associated with the field key in the parentheses and the relevant [tag](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#tag) and/or [field](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#field).

`N` must be an integer.
`SAMPLE()` supports all field value [data types](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/select/#data-types).

#### Examples

{{< expand-wrapper >}}

{{% expand "Select a sample of the field values associated with a field key" %}}

Return two randomly selected points from the `water_level` field key and in the `h2o_feet` measurement.

```sql
SELECT SAMPLE("water_level",2) FROM "h2o_feet"
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 | sample |
| :------------------- | -----: |
| 2019-08-22T03:42:00Z |  7.218 |
| 2019-08-28T20:18:00Z |  2.848 |

{{% /expand %}}

{{% expand "Select a sample of the field values associated with each field key in a measurement" %}}

Return two randomly selected points for each field key in the `h2o_feet` measurement.
The `h2o_feet` measurement has two field keys: `level description` and `water_level`.

```sql
SELECT SAMPLE(*,2) FROM "h2o_feet"
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 | sample_level description | sample_water_level |
| :------------------- | :----------------------- | -----------------: |
| 2019-08-23T17:30:00Z | below 3 feet             |                    |
| 2019-09-08T19:18:00Z |                          |              8.379 |
| 2019-09-09T03:54:00Z | between 6 and 9 feet     |                    |
| 2019-09-16T04:48:00Z |                          |              1.437 |

{{% /expand %}}

{{% expand "Select a sample of the field values associated with each field key that matches a regular expression" %}}

Return two randomly selected points for each field key that includes the word
`level` in the `h2o_feet` measurement.

```sql
SELECT SAMPLE(/level/,2) FROM "h2o_feet"
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 | sample_level description | sample_water_level |
| :------------------- | :----------------------- | -----------------: |
| 2019-08-19T20:24:00Z |                          |              4.951 |
| 2019-08-26T06:30:00Z | below 3 feet             |                    |
| 2019-09-10T09:06:00Z |                          |              1.312 |
| 2019-09-16T21:00:00Z | between 3 and 6 feet     |                    |

{{% /expand %}}

{{% expand "Select a sample of the field values associated with a field key and the relevant tags and fields" %}}

Return two randomly selected points from the `water_level` field key and the
relevant values of the `location` tag and the `level description` field.

```sql
SELECT SAMPLE("water_level",2),"location","level description" FROM "h2o_feet"
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 | sample | location     | level description    |
| :------------------- | -----: | :----------- | :------------------- |
| 2019-08-31T04:30:00Z |  4.954 | santa_monica | between 3 and 6 feet |
| 2019-09-13T01:24:00Z |  3.389 | santa_monica | between 3 and 6 feet |

{{% /expand %}}

{{% expand "Select a sample of the field values associated with a field key and include several clauses" %}}

Return one randomly selected point from the `water_level` field key in the
[time range](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/time-and-timezone/#time-syntax)
between `2019-08-18T00:00:00Z` and `2019-08-18T00:30:00Z` and
[group](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/group-by/#group-by-time-intervals)
results into 18-minute intervals.

```sql
SELECT SAMPLE("water_level",1) FROM "h2o_feet" WHERE time >= '2019-08-18T00:00:00Z' AND time <= '2019-08-18T00:30:00Z' AND "location" = 'santa_monica' GROUP BY time(18m)
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 | sample |
| :------------------- | -----: |
| 2019-08-18T00:12:00Z |  2.343 |
| 2019-08-18T00:24:00Z |  2.264 |

Notice that the [`GROUP BY time()` clause](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/group-by/#group-by-time-intervals) does not override the points' original timestamps.
See [Issue 1](#sample-with-a-group-by-time-clause) in the section below for a
more detailed explanation of that behavior.

{{% /expand %}}

{{< /expand-wrapper >}}

### Common issues with SAMPLE()

#### SAMPLE() with a GROUP BY time() clause

Queries with `SAMPLE()` and a `GROUP BY time()` clause return the specified
number of points (`N`) per `GROUP BY time()` interval.
For [most `GROUP BY time()` queries](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/group-by/#group-by-time-intervals),
the returned timestamps mark the start of the `GROUP BY time()` interval.
`GROUP BY time()` queries with the `SAMPLE()` function behave differently;
they maintain the timestamp of the original data point.

##### Example

The query below returns two randomly selected points per 18-minute
`GROUP BY time()` interval.
Notice that the returned timestamps are the points' original timestamps; they
are not forced to match the start of the `GROUP BY time()` intervals.

```sql
SELECT SAMPLE("water_level",2) FROM "h2o_feet" WHERE time >= '2019-08-18T00:00:00Z' AND time <= '2019-08-18T00:30:00Z' AND "location" = 'santa_monica' GROUP BY time(18m)
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 | sample |
| :------------------- | -----: |
| 2019-08-18T00:06:00Z |  2.116 |
| 2019-08-18T00:12:00Z |  2.028 |
| 2019-08-18T00:18:00Z |  2.126 |
| 2019-08-18T00:30:00Z |  2.051 |

Notice that the first two rows are randomly-selected points from the first time
interval and the last two rows are randomly-selected points from the second time interval.

## TOP()

Returns the greatest `N` [field values](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#field-value).

### Syntax

```sql
SELECT TOP( <field_key>[,<tag_key(s)>],<N> )[,<tag_key(s)>|<field_key(s)>] FROM_clause [WHERE_clause] [GROUP_BY_clause] [ORDER_BY_clause] [LIMIT_clause] [OFFSET_clause] [SLIMIT_clause] [SOFFSET_clause]
```

`TOP(field_key,N)`  
Returns the greatest N field values associated with the [field key](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#field-key).

`TOP(field_key,tag_key(s),N)`  
Returns the greatest field value for N tag values of the [tag key](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#tag-key).

`TOP(field_key,N),tag_key(s),field_key(s)`  
Returns the greatest N field values associated with the field key in the parentheses and the relevant [tag](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#tag) and/or [field](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#field).

`TOP()` supports int64 and float64 field value [data types](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/select/#data-types).

{{% note %}}
**Note:** `TOP()` returns the field value with the earliest timestamp if there's a tie between two or more values for the greatest value.
{{% /note %}}

#### Examples

{{< expand-wrapper >}}

{{% expand "Select the top three field values associated with a field key" %}}

Return the greatest three field values in the `water_level` field key and in the
`h2o_feet` [measurement](/influxdb/version/reference/glossary/#measurement).

```sql
SELECT TOP("water_level",3) FROM "h2o_feet"
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 |   top |
| :------------------- | ----: |
| 2019-08-28T07:18:00Z | 9.957 |
| 2019-08-28T07:24:00Z | 9.964 |
| 2019-08-28T07:30:00Z | 9.954 |

{{% /expand %}}

{{% expand "Select the top field value associated with a field key for two tags" %}}

Return the greatest field values in the `water_level` field key for two tag
values associated with the `location` tag key.

```sql
SELECT TOP("water_level","location",2) FROM "h2o_feet"
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 |   top | location     |
| :------------------- | ----: | :----------- |
| 2019-08-28T03:54:00Z | 7.205 | santa_monica |
| 2019-08-28T07:24:00Z | 9.964 | coyote_creek |

{{% /expand %}}

{{% expand "Select the top four field values associated with a field key and the relevant tags and fields" %}}

Return the greatest four field values in the `water_level` field key and the
relevant values of the `location` tag key and the `level description` field key.

```sql
SELECT TOP("water_level",4),"location","level description" FROM "h2o_feet"
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 |   top | location     | level description         |
| :------------------- | ----: | :----------- | :------------------------ |
| 2019-08-28T07:18:00Z | 9.957 | coyote_creek | at or greater than 9 feet |
| 2019-08-28T07:24:00Z | 9.964 | coyote_creek | at or greater than 9 feet |
| 2019-08-28T07:30:00Z | 9.954 | coyote_creek | at or greater than 9 feet |
| 2019-08-28T07:36:00Z | 9.941 | coyote_creek | at or greater than 9 feet |

{{% /expand %}}

{{% expand "Select the top three field values associated with a field key and include several clauses" %}}

Return the greatest three values in the `water_level` field key for each 24-minute
[interval](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/group-by/#basic-group-by-time-syntax)
between `2019-08-18T00:00:00Z` and `2019-08-18T00:54:00Z` with results in
[descending timestamp](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/order-by/) order.

```sql
SELECT TOP("water_level",3),"location" FROM "h2o_feet" WHERE time >= '2019-08-18T00:00:00Z' AND time <= '2019-08-18T00:54:00Z' GROUP BY time(24m) ORDER BY time DESC
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 |   top | location     |
| :------------------- | ----: | :----------- |
| 2019-08-18T00:54:00Z | 6.982 | coyote_creek |
| 2019-08-18T00:54:00Z | 2.054 | santa_monica |
| 2019-08-18T00:48:00Z | 7.110 | coyote_creek |
| 2019-08-18T00:36:00Z | 7.372 | coyote_creek |
| 2019-08-18T00:30:00Z | 7.500 | coyote_creek |
| 2019-08-18T00:24:00Z | 7.635 | coyote_creek |
| 2019-08-18T00:12:00Z | 7.887 | coyote_creek |
| 2019-08-18T00:06:00Z | 8.005 | coyote_creek |
| 2019-08-18T00:00:00Z | 8.120 | coyote_creek |

Notice that the [GROUP BY time() clause](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/group-by/#group-by-time-intervals) does not override the points’ original timestamps.
See [Issue 1](#top-with-a-group-by-time-clause) in the section below for a more detailed explanation of that behavior.

{{% /expand %}}

{{< /expand-wrapper >}}

### Common issues with `TOP()`

#### `TOP()` with a `GROUP BY time()` clause

Queries with `TOP()` and a `GROUP BY time()` clause return the specified
number of points per `GROUP BY time()` interval.
For [most `GROUP BY time()` queries](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/group-by/#group-by-time-intervals),
the returned timestamps mark the start of the `GROUP BY time()` interval.
`GROUP BY time()` queries with the `TOP()` function behave differently;
they maintain the timestamp of the original data point.

##### Example

The query below returns two points per 18-minute
`GROUP BY time()` interval.
Notice that the returned timestamps are the points' original timestamps; they
are not forced to match the start of the `GROUP BY time()` intervals.

```sql
SELECT TOP("water_level",2) FROM "h2o_feet" WHERE time >= '2019-08-18T00:00:00Z' AND time <= '2019-08-18T00:30:00Z' AND "location" = 'santa_monica' GROUP BY time(18m)
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 |   top |
| :------------------- | ----: |
| 2019-08-18T00:00:00Z | 2.064 |
| 2019-08-18T00:06:00Z | 2.116 |
| 2019-08-18T00:18:00Z | 2.126 |
| 2019-08-18T00:30:00Z | 2.051 |

Notice that the first two rows are the greatest points for the first time interval
and the last two rows are the greatest points for the second time interval.

#### TOP() and a tag key with fewer than N tag values

Queries with the syntax `SELECT TOP(<field_key>,<tag_key>,<N>)` can return fewer points than expected.
If the tag key has `X` tag values, the query specifies `N` values, and `X` is smaller than `N`, then the query returns `X` points.

##### Example

The query below asks for the greatest field values of `water_level` for three tag values of the `location` tag key.
Because the `location` tag key has two tag values (`santa_monica` and `coyote_creek`), the query returns two points instead of three.

```sql
SELECT TOP("water_level","location",3) FROM "h2o_feet"
```

{{% influxql/table-meta %}}
name: h2o_feet
{{% /influxql/table-meta %}}

| time                 |   top | location     |
| :------------------- | ----: | :----------- |
| 2019-08-29T03:54:00Z | 7.205 | santa_monica |
| 2019-08-29T07:24:00Z | 9.964 | coyote_creek |

<!--
##### TOP(), tags, and the INTO clause

When combined with an [`INTO` clause](/enterprise_influxdb/v1/query_language/explore-data/#the-into-clause) and no [`GROUP BY tag` clause](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-data/group-by/#group-by-tags), most InfluxQL functions [convert](/enterprise_influxdb/v1/troubleshooting/frequently-asked-questions/#why-are-my-into-queries-missing-data) any tags in the initial data to fields in the newly written data.
This behavior also applies to the `TOP()` function unless `TOP()` includes a tag key as an argument: `TOP(field_key,tag_key(s),N)`.
In those cases, the system preserves the specified tag as a tag in the newly written data.

###### Example

The first query in the codeblock below returns the greatest field values in the `water_level` field key for two tag values associated with the `location` tag key.
It also writes those results to the `top_water_levels` measurement.

The second query [shows](/influxdb/version/query-data/influxql/explore-schema/#show-tag-keys) that InfluxDB preserved the `location` tag as a tag in the `top_water_levels` measurement.

```sql
SELECT TOP("water_level","location",2) INTO "top_water_levels" FROM "h2o_feet"

name: result
time                 written
----                 -------
1970-01-01T00:00:00Z 2

> SHOW TAG KEYS FROM "top_water_levels"

name: top_water_levels
tagKey
------
location
```
-->