Python max(): Get the Largest Value from an Iterable

The max() function returns the highest value from a list, tuple, set, or any iterable. It’s useful for finding the largest number, longest string, or highest-scoring item in a dataset.

Example

numbers = [10, 25, 7, 99, 42]
print(max(numbers))  
# Output: 99

This finds the largest number in the list.

Syntax

max(iterable, key=None)
max(arg1, arg2, ..., key=None)

• iterable → A list, tuple, set, or other sequence to find the max value from.
• arg1, arg2, … → Multiple values can be compared directly.
• key (optional) → A function to customize comparisons.
• Returns → The highest value.

1. Finding the Maximum of Multiple Numbers

print(max(10, 20, 30))  
# Output: 30

Works without needing a list.

2. Finding the Longest String

words = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"]
longest = max(words, key=len)
print(longest)  
# Output: banana

key=len finds the string with the most characters.

3. Finding the Maximum in a Dictionary

Find the highest dictionary value.

scores = {"Alice": 85, "Bob": 92, "Charlie": 78}
top_scorer = max(scores, key=scores.get)
print(top_scorer)  
# Output: Bob

Returns the key with the highest value.

4. Using max() with Custom Sort