How to find maximum between 2 numbers using C#?

Finding the maximum between two numbers in C# can be accomplished using several approaches. The most common methods include using conditional statements, the Math.Max() method, and the ternary operator.

Using If-Else Statement

The traditional approach uses an if-else statement to compare two numbers and determine which one is larger −

using System;

class Program {
    static void Main(string[] args) {
        int num1 = 50;
        int num2 = 90;
        int maxNum;
        
        Console.WriteLine("Number 1: " + num1);
        Console.WriteLine("Number 2: " + num2);
        
        if (num1 > num2) {
            maxNum = num1;
        } else {
            maxNum = num2;
        }
        
        Console.WriteLine("Maximum number is: " + maxNum);
    }
}

The output of the above code is −

Number 1: 50
Number 2: 90
Maximum number is: 90

Using Math.Max() Method

The Math.Max() method provides a cleaner and more concise way to find the maximum of two numbers −

using System;

class Program {
    static void Main(string[] args) {
        int num1 = 75;
        int num2 = 45;
        
        Console.WriteLine("Number 1: " + num1);
        Console.WriteLine("Number 2: " + num2);
        
        int maxNum = Math.Max(num1, num2);
        Console.WriteLine("Maximum number is: " + maxNum);
        
        // Works with different data types
        double d1 = 12.5, d2 = 18.3;
        double maxDouble = Math.Max(d1, d2);
        Console.WriteLine("Maximum of " + d1 + " and " + d2 + " is: " + maxDouble);
    }
}

The output of the above code is −

Number 1: 75
Number 2: 45
Maximum number is: 75
Maximum of 12.5 and 18.3 is: 18.3

Using Ternary Operator

The ternary operator ?: provides a concise one-line solution for finding the maximum −

using System;

class Program {
    static void Main(string[] args) {
        int num1 = 100;
        int num2 = 85;
        
        Console.WriteLine("Number 1: " + num1);
        Console.WriteLine("Number 2: " + num2);
        
        int maxNum = (num1 > num2) ? num1 : num2;
        Console.WriteLine("Maximum number is: " + maxNum);
    }
}

The output of the above code is −

Number 1: 100
Number 2: 85
Maximum number is: 100

Comparison of Methods

Conclusion

Finding the maximum between two numbers in C# can be done using if-else statements, the Math.Max() method, or the ternary operator. The Math.Max() method is generally preferred for its simplicity and built-in reliability, while if-else statements provide clarity for complex logic.