Percentage Change Calculator
One calculator for both directions. Enter an old value and a new value and get the signed percentage change, plus the absolute difference. Positive means growth, negative means reduction — the working is shown underneath.
Plain English
How it works
- Take the difference between the new and the original value, keeping the sign.
- Divide by the absolute value of the original so negative starting points behave sensibly.
- Multiply by 100. Positive means growth, negative means reduction.
See it in action
Worked examples
Revenue 45,000 → 58,500
- Difference: 58,500 − 45,000 = 13,500
- Divide by the original: 13,500 ÷ 45,000 = 0.3
- Multiply by 100: +30%
Answer: +30%
Year-over-year or quarter-over-quarter revenue change reporting.
Costs 8,400 → 7,140
- Difference: 7,140 − 8,400 = −1,260
- Divide by the original: −1,260 ÷ 8,400 = −0.15
- Multiply by 100: −15%
Answer: −15%
Showing a cost-reduction initiative’s impact, where the negative sign makes the direction unambiguous.
Stock price 132.40 → 129.75
- Difference: 129.75 − 132.40 = −2.65
- Divide by the original: −2.65 ÷ 132.40 = −0.020015
- Multiply by 100: −2.0015%
Answer: −2.0015%
Daily price moves on a ticker, where the signed result tells you immediately whether it rose or fell.
Users 1,250 → 1,250
- Difference: 1,250 − 1,250 = 0
- Divide by the original: 0 ÷ 1,250 = 0
- Multiply by 100: 0%
Answer: 0% — no change
Confirming a metric held flat between two reporting periods.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between percentage change and percentage difference?
Percentage change has a direction and a base value (the original). Percentage difference is symmetric and compares two values against their average.
Which value is the base?
The original, earlier or reference value always goes in the first field.
Why is my result negative?
A negative percentage change means the new value is lower than the original — that is a reduction.
Can I use this for year-over-year growth?
Yes. Put last year in the original field and this year in the new field.
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