How to calculate the midrange
The midrange is the average of the highest and lowest values in a data set. Find the maximum and the minimum, add them, and divide by two. For 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42 the maximum is 42 and the minimum is 4, so the midrange is (42 + 4) ÷ 2 = 23. The two values it uses are the same maximum and minimum the range calculator subtracts.
How to use this calculator
Enter up to eight numbers and leave unused fields blank. The result depends only on the two extreme values, so it is quick but sensitive to outliers. For a spread-aware central value, try the weighted average calculator.
- Order does not matter — the tool finds the maximum and minimum for you.
- Negative values are fine. For −10 and 4 the midrange is −3.
- Check your extremes first. A single mistyped digit at either end changes the answer completely.
Midrange vs. other measures
The midrange is the easiest measure of center to compute but the most affected by outliers, since it ignores every value except the two extremes. To see how spread compares to the mean, use the coefficient of variation calculator.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I calculate the midrange?
- Add the largest and smallest values, then divide by two. For 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42 the midrange is 23.
- Is the midrange the same as the median?
- No. The midrange uses only the two extreme values, while the median is the middle value when the data is sorted.
- Why is the midrange sensitive to outliers?
- Because it depends entirely on the maximum and minimum, a single extreme value shifts it dramatically.
- When should I use the midrange?
- Use it for a fast, rough estimate of the center when the data has no extreme outliers.
- What happens if I enter only one value?
- The midrange equals that value, because it is both the maximum and the minimum. The same holds when every number in the set is identical — max and min coincide, so the midpoint is that number.