Percentage Change Calculator
Calculate the percentage increase or decrease between two values.
Understanding Percentage Change
Percentage change measures how much a value has increased or decreased relative to its original amount. It is essential in finance, economics, and everyday comparisons.
The Formula
Percentage Change = ((New Value − Old Value) / |Old Value|) × 100
A positive result indicates an increase, while a negative result indicates a decrease.
Examples
| Old Value | New Value | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| $50 | $65 | +30% |
| $200 | $150 | −25% |
| 80 kg | 72 kg | −10% |
Stock example: If a stock goes from $40 to $52, the percentage change is ((52 − 40) / 40) × 100 = 30% increase.
This calculator handles both increases and decreases automatically. Enter the original and new values to see the percentage change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between percentage change and percentage difference?
Percentage change compares a new value to an original value and shows direction (increase or decrease). Percentage difference compares two values without an inherent direction, using the average as the base.
Can percentage change be negative?
Yes. A negative percentage change means the value decreased. For example, going from 100 to 80 is a −20% change.
How do I calculate percentage change for negative numbers?
Use the absolute value of the original number as the denominator. For example, from −50 to −30: ((−30 − (−50)) / |−50|) × 100 = 40% increase.