How this calculator works
The range subtracts the smallest observation from the largest, so it measures the total observed span. Interior observations do not affect it unless one becomes a new extreme. The result is non-negative and uses the same unit as the observations. A singleton or constant data set has zero range. For a list crossing zero, the subtraction includes both sides of zero.
Formula
Range = maximum - minimum.
Worked example
For -3, 4, 9, the range is 9 - (-3) = 12. For endpoints 7 and 7, the range is zero.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the range the pair of endpoints?
In descriptive statistics, range commonly means their difference. This page shows both endpoints as well to avoid ambiguity.
Does a large range imply most observations are spread out?
No. One distant value can create a large range even when nearly all observations are close together.
How is IQR different?
IQR uses the 25th and 75th percentile boundaries and describes the central portion rather than the full observed span.