Shows the difference in percentage between two numbers. It is a useful mathematical operation that can be used to determine how much a value has increased or decreased.. You will also find a copy of the formula, as you might need it to use it yourself. Percentage change is particularly useful in subjects like chemistry, finance or exponential growth. Here's how to calculate the percentage change:
Percentage Change = ((y - x) / x) x 100
Determine the initial value. This is the starting value that you want to calculate the percentage change from.
Determine the final value. This is the ending value that you want to calculate the percentage change to.
Calculate the difference between the initial and final values. To do this, subtract the initial value from the final value. For example, if the initial value is 100 and the final value is 150, the calculation would be:
Difference = Final Value - Initial Value
Difference = 150 - 100
Difference = 50
Therefore, the difference between the initial and final values is 50.
Calculate the percentage change. To calculate the percentage change, divide the difference between the initial and final values by the initial value, then multiply the result by 100. For example, if the initial value is 100 and the final value is 150, the calculation would be:
Percentage Change = (Difference ÷ Initial Value) x 100%
Percentage Change = (50 ÷ 100) x 100%
Percentage Change = 50%
Therefore, the percentage change is 50%.
If the final value is less than the initial value, the percentage change will be negative, indicating a decrease. For example, if the initial value is 100 and the final value is 75, the calculation would be:
Difference = Final Value - Initial Value
Difference = 75 - 100
Difference = -25
Therefore, the difference between the initial and final values is -25.
Percentage Change = (Difference ÷ Initial Value) x 100%
Percentage Change = (-25 ÷ 100) x 100%
Percentage Change = -25%
Therefore, the percentage change is -25%, indicating a decrease.
Conclusion: The percentage change can be useful in many different contexts, from calculating investment returns to determining how much a price has changed over time. By understanding how to calculate the percentage change, you can make more informed decisions and better understand how values are changing over time.
