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Range Calculator

In statistics, the range is the simplest measure of variability or dispersion within a dataset, representing the mathematical difference between the l

Mathematics
Enter numbers to calculate statistical dispersion.
Formula & Methodology
Range = Maximum Value - Minimum Value Midrange = (Maximum Value + Minimum Value) ÷ 2

To compute the range of any dataset: 1. Scan all data points to identify the largest number (Maximum) and the smallest number (Minimum). 2. Subtract the minimum from the maximum: Range = Max - Min. 3. Optionally, find the midrange (the halfway point between extremes) by adding the min and max and dividing by 2.

Statistical Range (Max - Min)

62

Overview

In statistics, the range is the simplest measure of variability or dispersion within a dataset, representing the mathematical difference between the largest (maximum) and smallest (minimum) values. This free Range Calculator identifies your dataset boundaries, calculates the span, and determines the midrange center.

Range provides an immediate overview of data spread in meteorology (daily temperature swings), quality control (manufacturing variance), financial investing (daily high-low stock spreads), and athletic performance metrics.

Worked Examples

Example 1: Range of [15, 23, 38, 42, 59, 77]

Dataset: 15, 23, 38, 42, 59, 77

  1. Find minimum: 15.
  2. Find maximum: 77.
  3. Subtract: 77 - 15 = 62.
  4. Midrange: (77 + 15) ÷ 2 = 46.
Final Answer: 62 (Min: 15, Max: 77)

Example 2: Daily Temperature Range (High 84°F, Low 58°F)

Dataset: 84, 58

  1. Max = 84, Min = 58.
  2. Range: 84 - 58 = 26°F.
Final Answer: 26°F

Example 3: Range with Negative Values [-12, -4, 0, 8, 16]

Dataset: -12, -4, 0, 8, 16

  1. Min = -12, Max = 16.
  2. Range: 16 - (-12) = 16 + 12 = 28.
Final Answer: 28

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter numbers separated by spaces or commas.
  2. Click "Calculate" to find the range.
  3. Review the minimum, maximum, and midrange values below.
  4. Click "Reset" to analyze a different dataset.

Reference Table

DatasetMinimumMaximumRange
10, 20, 30103020
5, 12, 19, 2452419
-5, 0, 5, 10-51015
100, 102, 1051001055
15, 23, 38, 77157762

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the range tell you about a dataset?
The range indicates the total spread or dispersion of the data. A small range means data points are clustered closely together, while a large range indicates wide variability.
What is the main limitation of the range?
Because it relies exclusively on the two extreme values, it is extremely sensitive to outliers and ignores all information about how data points are distributed between the ends.
Can the range ever be negative?
No. Because the minimum is subtracted from the maximum (which is always greater than or equal to the minimum), the range is always non-negative (≥ 0).
What does a range of zero mean?
A range of 0 means all numbers in the dataset are identical (e.g. [5, 5, 5]).
How is midrange different from the median?
Midrange is simply (Min + Max) / 2, which depends only on the extremes. The median is the true middle value of the sorted list, unaffected by how far out the extremes sit.

Related Calculators

🧮Variance Calculator🧮Standard Deviation Calculator🧮Median Calculator🧮Average Calculator
Reviewed & Authored by: Dr. Elizabeth Vance, PhD Applied Mathematics · Last Updated: 2026-10-06
Computed via single-pass linear boundary scan comparison.