What Is Percentage Change?
Percentage change measures how much a value has increased or decreased relative to its original value. Percentage change = (new value − old value) ÷ old value × 100. A positive result is an increase and a negative result is a decrease.
Example
A price that rises from 80 to 100 has increased by 25%. A price that falls from 100 to 80 has decreased by 20% — the same amount of change gives a different percentage because the starting value differs.
Percentage Change vs. Percentage Points
When a rate moves from 4% to 5%, it has risen by one percentage point, which is a 25% percentage change.
🧮 Calculate It Yourself
Put Percentage Change into practice with these free calculators — no sign-up, nothing stored.
%
Percentage Calculator
Three calculators in one: percentage of a number, percentage of total, and percentage change.
Calculate →
📈
Raise Calculator
Find your new pay after a raise — by percentage or dollar amount.
Calculate →
🏷️
Discount Calculator
Find the sale price, or work out what discount you're actually getting.
Calculate →
🔗 Related Terms
More Math & Statistics Terms
📖 Browse all glossary terms or explore all free calculators.
Last updated: September 27, 2026. This definition is for general educational purposes only. It is not financial, investment, tax, legal, or medical advice, and it does not recommend any product or course of action. For decisions about your own situation, consult a qualified professional.