The range is defined as the difference between the smallest and largest values of a given set of distribution. The following are the merits and demerits of the range:
Merits
a) Easy to understand: It is a very simple and easy-to-understand method of finding averages. It basically depicts the span of the given series.
b) Faster to calculate: With a simple formula, range is easily calculable. It is just measured by taking the difference between highest and lowest value of the given series.
Demerits
a) Depends on two values: For calculating a range, only two values are required- highest and lowest. Thus, it does not take into consideration other values given in the series.
b) Affected by sampling: It is considerably affected by fluctuations in samples and distributions.
c) Indeterminate in open-ended class intervals: It cannot be determined in open-ended class intervals, as it is difficult to find out the highest and lowest values of a series.