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103 LearnersLast updated on September 11, 2025
Percentage Change Calculator
Calculators are reliable tools for solving simple mathematical problems and advanced calculations like trigonometry. Whether you’re cooking, tracking BMI, or planning a construction project, calculators will make your life easy. In this topic, we are going to talk about percentage change calculators.
What is a Percentage Change Calculator?
A percentage change calculator is a tool used to determine the percentage increase or decrease between two values. This calculator makes it easy to compute the change in percentage, saving time and effort.
How to Use the Percentage Change Calculator?
Given below is a step-by-step process on how to use the calculator:
Step 1: Enter the initial value: Input the original value into the given field.
Step 2: Enter the final value: Input the new value you want to compare against the original.
Step 3: Click on calculate: Click on the calculate button to get the result.
Step 4: View the result: The calculator will display the percentage change instantly.
How to Calculate Percentage Change?
To calculate the percentage change, the calculator uses the formula:
Percentage Change = ((Final Value - Initial Value) / |Initial Value|) × 100
This formula calculates the difference between the final and initial values, divides it by the absolute initial value, and then multiplies by 100 to get the percentage change.
Tips and Tricks for Using the Percentage Change Calculator
When using a percentage change calculator, consider the following tips to ensure accuracy:
Make sure to use absolute values to avoid negative percentages for decreases.
Double-check your initial and final values before calculating.
Understand that a small change in large values can still represent a significant percentage change.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them When Using the Percentage Change Calculator
Even when using a calculator, mistakes can happen, especially for beginners.
Mistake 1
Confusing the initial and final values.
Ensure you input the correct initial and final values. Entering them incorrectly will result in inaccurate calculations.
Mistake 2
Neglecting the absolute value in the formula.
Always use the absolute value of the initial value to avoid incorrect negative results.
Mistake 3
Rounding too early before completing the calculation.
Wait until the very end to round for a more precise result. For example, rounding too early can lead to inaccurate conclusions.
Mistake 4
Misinterpreting the results as absolute change instead of percentage.
Remember that the calculator provides the percentage change, which is a relative measure, not the absolute difference between the values.
Mistake 5
Assuming all calculators handle all scenarios perfectly.
While calculators are helpful, they may not account for all specific contexts or conditions, such as currency fluctuations or other economic factors.
Percentage Change Calculator Examples
Problem 1
A stock price increases from $150 to $180. What is the percentage change?
Use the formula:
Percentage Change = ((Final Value - Initial Value) / |Initial Value|) × 100
Percentage Change = ((180 - 150) / 150) × 100 ≈ 20%
Explanation
The initial stock price was $150, and it increased to $180. The difference is $30, which is 20% of the initial price.
Problem 2
The number of visitors to a website decreased from 5000 to 4000. What is the percentage change?
Use the formula:
Percentage Change = ((Final Value - Initial Value) / |Initial Value|) × 100
Percentage Change = ((4000 - 5000) / 5000) × 100 ≈ -20%
Explanation
The visitors decreased from 5000 to 4000, a decrease of 1000. This decrease is 20% of the initial number of visitors.
Problem 3
A product's price drops from $120 to $90. Calculate the percentage change.
Use the formula:
Percentage Change = ((Final Value - Initial Value) / |Initial Value|) × 100
Percentage Change = ((90 - 120) / 120) × 100 ≈ -25%
Explanation
The price dropped by $30, which is 25% of the initial $120 price.
Problem 4
An increase in temperature from 20°C to 25°C is observed. What is the percentage change?
Use the formula:
Percentage Change = ((Final Value - Initial Value) / |Initial Value|) × 100
Percentage Change = ((25 - 20) / 20) × 100 ≈ 25%
Explanation
The temperature increased by 5°C, which is a 25% increase from the initial temperature of 20°C.
Problem 5
A car's mileage improves from 15 mpg to 18 mpg. Determine the percentage change.
Use the formula:
Percentage Change = ((Final Value - Initial Value) / |Initial Value|) × 100
Percentage Change = ((18 - 15) / 15) × 100 ≈ 20%
Explanation
The mileage improved by 3 mpg, which is a 20% increase from the initial 15 mpg.
FAQs on Using the Percentage Change Calculator
1.How do you calculate percentage change?
2.Can percentage change be negative?
3.What does a percentage change tell you?
4.Why is it important to use absolute values in percentage change calculations?
5.Is the percentage change calculator accurate?
Glossary of Terms for the Percentage Change Calculator
- Percentage Change Calculator: A tool used to determine the percentage increase or decrease between two values.
- Initial Value: The starting value used in percentage change calculations.
- Final Value: The ending value used in percentage change calculations.
- Absolute Value: The non-negative value of a number, used to ensure correct percentage change calculations.
- Rounding: Approximating a number to the nearest whole number or specified decimal place for simplicity.
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Seyed Ali Fathima S
About the Author
Seyed Ali Fathima S a math expert with nearly 5 years of experience as a math teacher. From an engineer to a math teacher, shows her passion for math and teaching. She is a calculator queen, who loves tables and she turns tables to puzzles and songs.
Fun Fact
: She has songs for each table which helps her to remember the tables
