How the range is worked out
Find the largest and smallest values, then subtract the smaller from the larger. That difference is the range.
The range uses only two numbers, so it says nothing about the values in between.
Worked example
For 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42 the largest value is 42 and the smallest is 4, so the range is 38.
The mean of the same list is 18 and the median is 15.5, which describe the middle rather than the spread.
Range and standard deviation together
The range is quick to work out but sensitive to a single outlier. Standard deviation uses every value, so it is steadier.
Quote both when the spread matters: a wide range with a small standard deviation means most values sit close together with one or two far out.
Inputs for the range calculator
Your numbers
Separate the numbers with commas, spaces or new lines. A pasted spreadsheet column works as it is.
CALCULATOR QUESTIONS
Range calculator questions
How do I work out the range?
Subtract the smallest value from the largest. For 4 and 42 the range is 38.
What is the range of 4, 8, 15, 16, 23 and 42?
38, because 42 minus 4 is 38.
Can the range be zero?
Yes, when every value in the list is the same.
Is the range affected by outliers?
Yes. One unusually high or low value changes the range completely, which is why standard deviation is often quoted with it.