Range Calculator

Range calculator for a list of numbers (max minus min)

This range calculator helps you measure how spread out a set of values is by calculating the range. The range is the difference between the largest number and the smallest number in your list. People typically search for a range calculator when they have a set of results and want a fast way to see the overall spread without doing manual sorting or subtraction.

To use the calculator, paste your values into the input box. You can separate numbers using spaces, new lines, or commas. When you click Calculate, you will see the minimum value, maximum value, and the range. You will also see the number of valid values found and the midrange, which is the midpoint between the minimum and maximum. These extra outputs are useful because the range alone can hide what the actual endpoints were.

The range is best used as a simple, quick summary. It is easy to compute and easy to understand. That said, it is also sensitive to extreme values. One unusually large or small number can make the range look big even if most values are close together. That is why this calculator also shows the minimum and maximum clearly, so you can immediately see whether an outlier is dominating the result.

Assumptions and how to use this calculator

• You need at least two valid numbers to compute a meaningful range.
• Range is calculated as maximum minus minimum, using the same units as your inputs.
• If your list contains invalid items, you can choose to ignore them or stop with an error.
• Range reflects only the endpoints, not how values are distributed in between.
• Midrange is shown as (min + max) ÷ 2, which is not the same as the average of all values.

Common questions

What is the range in math and statistics?

The range is a measure of spread. It is defined as the highest value minus the lowest value in a set. If your values are 9, 12, 15, and 22, the range is 22 minus 9, which equals 13.

Do I need to sort the numbers first?

No. The calculator finds the minimum and maximum automatically, so sorting is not required. Sorting is only needed if you want to inspect the full order of values yourself.

What if my data includes text or blanks?

You can choose how the calculator handles non-numeric items. The default behavior ignores invalid entries, which is helpful when you paste data that includes headings, blank cells, or notes. If you need strict validation, switch the setting to stop with an error so you can clean the data.

Why does the range look unusually large?

Range is strongly influenced by outliers because it uses only the smallest and largest values. If one value is far from the rest, the range will expand to include it. Check the minimum and maximum shown in the result to confirm whether an extreme value is responsible.

When should I avoid using the range?

If you need a robust measure that reflects the typical spread of most values, range may be too simplistic. For example, when data has outliers or long tails, measures like interquartile range or standard deviation can be more informative. This page is intentionally focused on the basic range calculation for quick, practical use.