Midrange Calculator
Calculate the midrange of five numbers, the arithmetic mean of the maximum and minimum values. A simple measure of central tendency used in exploratory data analysis and weather statistics.
How to use this tool
- Enter number 1, number 2, number 3, number 4 and number 5 in the fields above.
- Results update instantly as you type — or click Calculate.
- Read your midrange and the full breakdown beneath it.
Formula
Midrange = (max + min) / 2
How it works
Find the largest and smallest of the five values, add them together, then divide by 2.
Worked example
Temperature readings
- Values: 2, 6, 10, 4, 8
- Max = 10, Min = 2
- Midrange = (10 + 2) / 2 = 6
Common mistakes to avoid
- Confusing midrange with median — the midrange is (max + min) / 2, while the median is the middle value of sorted data; they are equal only for symmetric distributions.
- Using midrange as a measure of central tendency when outliers are present — one extreme value pulls the midrange far from the bulk of the data.
- Adding all five values and dividing by 2 instead of identifying only the max and min first.
Key terms
Frequently asked questions
- When is the midrange a useful statistic?
- Midrange is most reliable for roughly symmetric distributions with no outliers. It is used in some weather applications (average of daily high and low temperatures) and in simple quality-control checks.
- How does midrange compare to mean and median?
- Mean uses all values equally. Median uses only the central value(s). Midrange uses only the two extremes. For symmetric outlier-free data all three are similar; for skewed data they diverge significantly.
- Is midrange resistant to outliers?
- No. Midrange is the least robust of the common central-tendency measures. A single outlier in either direction shifts the midrange dramatically, which is why it is rarely used in serious statistical analysis.