Percentage Increase Calculator
Find the percentage change between any two numbers — increase or decrease.
Calculate Percentage Change
How to Calculate Percentage Increase
Percentage increase (or decrease) measures how much a value has changed relative to its original amount. The formula works for any two numbers:
If the result is positive, the value increased. If the result is negative, the value decreased. The absolute value of the original is used in the denominator to handle negative starting values correctly.
Percentage Increase Formula
To break it down step by step:
- Subtract the original value from the new value to find the absolute difference.
- Divide the difference by the absolute value of the original.
- Multiply by 100 to convert the decimal to a percentage.
For example, if a product's price goes from $80 to $100:
If the same product later drops from $100 to $90:
Real-World Examples
Percentage change is used across many fields. Here are a few common scenarios:
| Scenario | Original | New | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salary raise | $50,000 | $55,000 | +10.00% |
| Stock price drop | $120 | $96 | −20.00% |
| Rent increase | $1,200 | $1,350 | +12.50% |
| Weight loss | 200 lbs | 185 lbs | −7.50% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between percentage increase and percentage points?
Percentage increase measures relative change (e.g., a rate going from 5% to 10% is a 100% increase). Percentage points measure the absolute difference between two percentages (the same change is 5 percentage points). Confusing the two is one of the most common statistical mistakes.
Can the percentage increase be more than 100%?
Yes. If the new value is more than double the original, the percentage increase exceeds 100%. For example, going from 50 to 150 is a 200% increase.
How do I calculate percentage decrease?
Use the same formula. When the new value is smaller than the original, the result will automatically be negative, indicating a decrease. This calculator handles both directions and labels the result accordingly.
Understand Your Financial Growth
Tracking percentage changes is essential for evaluating investments, salary growth, and price trends. Understanding how these numbers work helps you make more informed financial decisions over time.