CalcArcade.

Percent Change Calculator

Enter a starting value and an ending value to see the percent increase or decrease and the absolute difference.

Your numbers

Result

How we calculate it

Percent change = (new value − old value) ÷ |old value| × 100. A positive result is an increase and a negative result is a decrease; the result headline names which one it is.

To reverse a percentage change you need a different percentage: a 25% increase is undone by a 20% decrease.

Assumptions and limits

  • The starting value cannot be zero because percent change from zero is undefined.
  • For growth over several years, use the CAGR calculator for a steady annual rate.

Frequently asked questions

How do I calculate percent increase?

Subtract the old value from the new value, divide by the old value and multiply by 100.

Why is a 50% drop followed by a 50% gain not a full recovery?

Because the second percentage applies to a smaller base. 100 down 50% is 50, and 50 up 50% is only 75.

What is the difference between percent change and percent difference?

Percent change measures movement from an old value to a new one. Percent difference compares two values without a direction, using their average as the base.

Related calculators

Worked example (a fixed example using the starting numbers, it does not change as you type)

Inputs: Starting value = 120; Ending value = 150.

  • Percent increase 25%
  • Absolute change 30
  • Signed change 25%

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Last reviewed: . Formulas and assumptions are described on our methodology page. For information only; not professional advice.