Percentage Change Calculator

Category: Algebra and General
- April 13, 2025
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Calculate percentage change between two values. This calculator helps you determine how much a value has changed in percentage terms.

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About Percentage Change

Percentage change measures the relative change between two values. It's commonly used in finance, statistics, business analysis, and everyday calculations.

Percentage Increase

When the new value is larger than the original value, the percentage change is positive, indicating an increase. For example, if a price goes from $80 to $100, that's a 25% increase.

Percentage Decrease

When the new value is smaller than the original value, the percentage change is negative, indicating a decrease. For example, if a price drops from $100 to $75, that's a 25% decrease.

Special Cases
  • Zero Original Value: If the original value is zero, the percentage change is technically undefined (division by zero). In such cases, the result is shown as "Infinity".
  • Same Values: If both values are the same, the percentage change is 0%.
  • Negative Values: The calculator works with negative input values, but be careful interpreting the results in a real-world context.
Percentage Change Formula:
Percentage Change = ((New Value − Original Value) ÷ Original Value) × 100%

What Is the Percentage Change Calculator?

The Percentage Change Calculator is a simple yet powerful tool that helps you figure out how much a value has increased or decreased in terms of percentage. It compares two numbers—the original value and the new value—and shows the difference as a percentage.

This tool is useful in many situations, whether you're reviewing price changes, analyzing business data, or tracking progress over time. It can also be a handy reference for related math tools like the percent error calculator, scientific calculator, or fraction calculator.

How to Use the Calculator

Using the calculator is quick and easy. Here's how you can calculate percentage change:

  • Enter the original value (starting number).
  • Enter the new value (ending number).
  • Choose how many decimal places you want in your result.
  • Check the boxes to show calculation steps and formulas (optional).
  • Click Calculate to see the results instantly.
  • Use the Swap button to reverse values, or Reset to start over.

Understanding the Results

Once calculated, the tool displays:

  • Percentage Change: Shows the amount of increase or decrease.
  • Value Difference: Shows the actual number difference between the two values.
  • Original and New Values: Recaps the values you entered.

If the original value is zero and the new value is above zero, the result is shown as Infinity—a mathematical way of saying the change is unlimited.

Why Use a Percentage Change Calculator?

This calculator can help you:

  • Understand price shifts in shopping or budgeting.
  • Track progress in fitness, education, or project goals.
  • Analyze trends in business, finance, or academic work.
  • Measure error or deviation by comparing expected vs. actual values—similar to how you'd use a percent error calculator.

It's also helpful when paired with other math tools like a scientific calculator for advanced calculations or a rounding calculator to adjust results for clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is percentage change?

Percentage change shows how much a number increases or decreases compared to its original value. It's a common way to measure growth or decline.

How is percentage change different from percent error?

While both use similar formulas, percent error focuses on the difference between an expected value and an actual result. It’s often used in science and measurement. You can calculate percent error using the percent error formula to better understand error percentage in experiments.

Can I use negative values?

Yes, the calculator supports negative inputs. Just make sure you understand the real-world meaning, as negative numbers may not always apply in all situations (like prices).

What if my original value is zero?

The percentage change becomes infinite, since dividing by zero is undefined. In this case, the calculator shows Infinity to indicate a dramatic shift.

What other tools might help me?

Depending on what you're working on, you might also benefit from:

  • Percent Error Calculator – for comparing measured vs. true values.
  • Fraction Calculator – to handle add, subtract, multiply, or divide fractions.
  • Exponent Calculator – for solving powers and exponential values.
  • Scientific Calculator – for more advanced math like trigonometry or algebra.
  • Percent to Decimal Calculator – for converting percentage values quickly.

Conclusion

The Percentage Change Calculator is an efficient and accurate way to measure differences between values. Whether you're analyzing financial changes, tracking data, or calculating error percentages, this tool helps simplify your work. Try it now and get clear, instant results.