Percentage change guide

Percentage Change Basics

Learn how to measure the percentage increase or decrease between an original and a new value.

The percentage change formula compares a new value with its original value. A positive result shows an increase, while a negative result shows a decrease.

Percentage change formula

Subtract the original value from the new value. Divide the difference by the absolute original value, then multiply by 100.

Worked example

A price rises from 80 to 100. The difference is 20. Divide 20 by 80 and multiply by 100 to get a 25% increase.

Check your answer

Use the calculator on the homepage to confirm the result and see the working.