Range Calculator
Enter a list of numbers to instantly find the range — the simplest measure of spread, calculated as the difference between the highest and lowest values in the set.
Range
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Enter a data set to calculate.
How the Range formula works
The range formula:
Range = Maximum value − Minimum value
Step-by-step calculation
- Identify the highest value in the data set.
- Identify the lowest value in the data set.
- Subtract the lowest from the highest.
Worked example
Data set: 12, 45, 7, 33, 21. Maximum = 45, minimum = 7. Range = 45 − 7 = 38.
Frequently asked questions
What does range tell you that standard deviation doesn't?
Range is simpler but only reflects the two most extreme values, ignoring how the rest of the data is distributed — a single outlier can dramatically inflate range even if most values are tightly clustered, which is where standard deviation gives a more complete picture.
Can range be zero?
Yes — if every value in the data set is identical, the maximum and minimum are the same, making the range zero.