Percentage Change Calculator
Calculate the percentage increase or decrease between two values.
How Much Did It Change?
Measuring the percentage change between two numbers is a fundamental calculation in finance, data analysis, and everyday life. This tool makes it instant and easy. It calculates the relative change from a starting value to a final value, clearly indicating whether it was an increase or a decrease. Use it to track stock price movements, analyze business sales growth, or measure personal progress towards a goal.
How to Calculate Percentage Change
The calculation is a simple two-step process:
- Initial Value: Enter the starting value or "old" number.
- Final Value: Enter the new or current value.
The calculator will instantly show the percentage change, along with an arrow indicating if it was an increase (up) or a decrease (down).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What's the formula for percentage change?
A: The formula is: `((Final Value - Initial Value) / |Initial Value|) * 100`. It's important to divide by the initial value, not the final value. Using the absolute value of the initial value ensures the calculation is correct even when dealing with negative numbers.
Q: What's the difference between percentage change and percentage point change?
A: They are different. If an interest rate moves from 5% to 6%, it is a *one percentage point* increase. The *percentage change* is a 20% increase ((6-5)/5 * 100).