Math & Statistics

What Is Range in Statistics?

In statistics, the range is the difference between the largest and smallest values in a data set: range = maximum − minimum. For 4, 9, 12, 20, the range is 20 − 4 = 16. It is the simplest measure of how spread out data is.

Limitations

Because it depends only on the two extreme values, a single outlier can make the range very large. The interquartile range and standard deviation describe spread in ways less affected by extremes.

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🔗 Related Terms

Standard Deviation Outlier Mean (Average) Median

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Last updated: September 27, 2026. This definition is for general educational purposes only. It is not financial, investment, tax, legal, or medical advice, and it does not recommend any product or course of action. For decisions about your own situation, consult a qualified professional.