max() and min() in Python

Introduction

The max() and min() functions help you find the biggest or smallest value in a group of items quickly.

Finding the highest score in a game.

Getting the lowest temperature from a list of daily temperatures.

Choosing the largest or smallest number from user inputs.

Comparing prices to find the cheapest or most expensive item.

Syntax

Python

max(iterable, *[, key, default])
min(iterable, *[, key, default])

# Or with multiple arguments:
max(arg1, arg2, *args, *[, key])
min(arg1, arg2, *args, *[, key])

You can give max() or min() either a list (or any iterable) or multiple separate values.

The optional key lets you decide how to compare items, like by length or a property.

Examples

Finds the biggest number in the list.

Python

max([3, 7, 2, 5])

Finds the smallest number among the separate values.

Python

min(10, 4, 8, 1)

Finds the longest word by length.

Python

max(['apple', 'banana', 'pear'], key=len)

Returns 0 if the list is empty, avoiding an error.

Python

min([], default=0)

Sample Program

This program finds the biggest and smallest numbers from a list, then finds the longest and shortest words from another list.

Python

numbers = [10, 20, 5, 40, 25]
print("Max number:", max(numbers))
print("Min number:", min(numbers))

words = ['cat', 'elephant', 'dog']
print("Longest word:", max(words, key=len))
print("Shortest word:", min(words, key=len))

Important Notes

If you use max() or min() on an empty list without a default, Python will give an error.

The key parameter is very useful when working with complex data like lists of strings or objects.

Summary

max() finds the biggest item; min() finds the smallest.

You can use them with lists or separate values.

Use key to customize how items are compared.