To find the range in a given data set, put the data set in numerical order from least to greatest, and then subtract the lowest value from the highest value. The range is how far apart the highest and lowest values are.
- Put the data in numerical order
To put the data in numerical order, rearrange the numbers so the first number in the set is the smallest number, and every following number is bigger than the previous one. For example, if your data set is 4, 7, 6, 1 and 12, rearrange the set to be in numerical order from least to greatest by putting the numbers in order: 1, 4, 6, 7 and 12.
- Find the least value and the greatest value in the set
When the data set is in order from least to greatest, the least value should be the first number in the set, and the greatest value should be the last number. In the previous example, the least value is 1, and the greatest value is 12.
- Subtract the least value from the greatest value
Find the range by subtracting the least value from the greatest value. In the example, calculate 12 - 1 = 11. The range is 11.
