Percent Change Calculator

Calculate the percentage increase or decrease between two values.

Quick Examples

The starting value (old value)
The ending value (new value)
Number of decimal places to display in the result

About This Calculator

This percent change calculator helps you determine the percentage difference between two values. It's useful for analyzing changes in prices, quantities, measurements, or any numerical values over time. The calculator shows both the absolute change and the relative (percentage) change, along with a clear explanation of the results.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you calculate percent change?

Percent change is calculated by finding the difference between the final value and the initial value, dividing that difference by the initial value, and then multiplying by 100. The formula is: ((Final Value - Initial Value) / Initial Value) × 100.

What is the difference between percent change and percentage points?

Percent change refers to the relative change between two values expressed as a percentage of the initial value. Percentage points, on the other hand, are the arithmetic difference between two percentages. For example, if an interest rate increases from 5% to 7%, the percentage point increase is 2, but the percent change is 40%.

Can percent change be negative?

Yes, percent change can be negative. A negative percent change indicates a decrease from the initial value to the final value. For example, if a price drops from $100 to $80, the percent change would be -20%.

What if my initial value is zero?

If the initial value is zero, the percent change cannot be calculated using the standard formula because division by zero is undefined. In such cases, the calculator will indicate that the percent change is undefined or infinite.