Percentage Increase Calculator
Quick Answer
Percentage Increase = ((New Value - Original Value) / Original Value) × 100. Enter two values below to calculate instantly.
How to Calculate Percentage Increase
Percentage increase measures how much a value has grown relative to its original amount. It is one of the most commonly used calculations in business, finance, science, and everyday life. Whether you are tracking salary raises, investment returns, population growth, or price changes, understanding percentage increase is essential.
The Percentage Increase Formula
The formula for percentage increase is:
Percentage Increase = ((New Value - Original Value) / Original Value) × 100
If the result is negative, it represents a percentage decrease rather than an increase.
Step-by-Step Example
Suppose your monthly rent increased from $1,200 to $1,350:
- Subtract the original from the new: $1,350 - $1,200 = $150
- Divide by the original: $150 / $1,200 = 0.125
- Multiply by 100: 0.125 × 100 = 12.5% increase
Percentage Decrease
The same formula works for decreases. If a stock drops from $80 to $68: ((68 - 80) / 80) × 100 = -15%. The negative sign tells you it is a 15% decrease.
Real-World Applications
- Salary negotiations: "I got a 7% raise" means your new salary is 107% of the old one
- Investment returns: If your portfolio went from $10,000 to $12,500, that is a 25% increase
- Inflation: Consumer prices rising 3% per year means goods cost 3% more than last year
- Weight loss: Going from 200 lbs to 180 lbs is a 10% decrease
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate percentage increase?
Use the formula: ((New Value - Original Value) / Original Value) × 100. For example, from $50 to $65: ((65-50)/50) × 100 = 30% increase.
How do you calculate percentage decrease?
Use the same formula. If the result is negative, it is a decrease. From $80 to $60: ((60-80)/80) × 100 = -25%, meaning a 25% decrease.
Can a percentage increase be more than 100%?
Yes. A value that more than doubles shows over 100% increase. From 10 to 25 = 150% increase.
What is the difference between percentage increase and percentage points?
Percentage increase is relative. Percentage points are absolute. Going from 20% to 25% is +5 percentage points but a 25% relative increase.