An embodiment of the invention includes a ternary content addressable memory (TCAM) that has input search data bits, TCAM words and range search input data bits. Each TCAM word is operable to store a match pattern and provide a match output. The match output indicates a match when the match pattern of the TCAM word matches the TCAM input search data bits. The range search input data bits are separated into groups. Each group has a bit width N where N is the number of range search input data bits. For the match pattern in each group, there is a Boolean function that uses the N range of search input data bits. (2N)/2 TCAM bits are provided for each TCAM word. 2N internal TCAM search lines are operable to search the (2N)/2 TCAM bits. Decoder logic is associated with each group that decodes the N range search input data bits.