How to Calculate Percentage Increase (Formula & Examples)
Percentage increase = ((new value - old value) / old value) x 100. Here's the full formula, step-by-step examples, and how to calculate percentage decrease too.
The Formula
Percentage Increase = ((New Value - Old Value) / Old Value) x 100
If the result is positive, it's an increase. If negative, it's a decrease.
Step-by-Step Examples
Example 1: Price goes from $50 to $65. Change = 15. Percentage = (15 / 50) x 100 = 30% increase.
Example 2: Salary goes from $60,000 to $75,000. Change = 15,000. Percentage = (15,000 / 60,000) x 100 = 25% increase.
Example 3: Stock drops from $120 to $90. Change = -30. Percentage = (-30 / 120) x 100 = -25% (a 25% decrease).
Common Percentage Changes
| Old Value | New Value | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 110 | +10% |
| 100 | 125 | +25% |
| 100 | 150 | +50% |
| 100 | 200 | +100% |
| 200 | 150 | -25% |
| 80 | 100 | +25% |
How to Find the New Value
New Value = Old Value x (1 + percentage/100)
Example: $200 increased by 15% = 200 x 1.15 = $230.
Percentage Increase vs. Percentage Points
If interest rates go from 2% to 3%, that is a 1 percentage point increase but a 50% increase in the rate itself.
Percentage points measure absolute change. Percentage increase measures relative change.
Calculate any percentage increase or decrease instantly.
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