Glossary
Range
The difference between the maximum and minimum values in a dataset. It is the simplest measure of spread but is highly sensitive to outliers.
Definition
The difference between the maximum and minimum values in a dataset. It is the simplest measure of spread but is highly sensitive to outliers.
Why It Matters
Although the range is easy to compute and understand, its sensitivity to extreme values limits its usefulness as a summary statistic. A single outlier can inflate the range dramatically, giving a misleading impression of overall variability. For this reason, the interquartile range or standard deviation is usually preferred in rigorous analysis.
Example
In a class of 30 students, exam scores range from 45 to 97, giving a range of 52 points. However, if one student scored 12 (perhaps due to absence), the range jumps to 85 points — overstating the typical spread. Removing that outlier yields a more representative range.
Related Terms
Software Notes
- SPSS: Analyze > Descriptive Statistics > Descriptives; "Range" is listed under "Dispersion"
- R:
diff(range(x))ormax(x) - min(x) - Stata:
summarize variable; range is shown by default in the output