Percentage change calculator: increase or decrease between two numbers
Compare a new value with an old one. The result is the percentage rise or fall, and the move needed to return to the starting point.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the old value.
- Enter the new value.
- Read the percentage change and the difference.
- Check the 'to get back' figure, which shows why falls are harder to recover from.
Worked examples
Example 1
A price rising from 80 to 100.
You enter
| Old value | 80 |
|---|---|
| New value | 100 |
You get
| Change | +25% |
|---|---|
| Difference | 20 |
| To get back to the old value you need | -20% |
Example 2
A share falling from ₹500 to ₹400.
You enter
| Old value | 500 |
|---|---|
| New value | 400 |
You get
| Change | -20% |
|---|---|
| Difference | -100 |
| To get back to the old value you need | 25% |
How it works
Percentage change is the difference divided by the old value. It is positive for a rise and negative for a fall.
A fall of 20% needs a rise of 25% to return to the start, because the rise works on a smaller number. The same idea applies to investment losses.
Formula
Change = (new - old) / |old| x 100. To return: old / new - 1.
Common questions
What if the old value is zero?
The change is undefined; the tool asks for a non-zero old value.
Is percentage point the same as percent?
No: going from 5% to 6% is a rise of 1 percentage point but 20% in relative terms.
How is this used for investments?
It shows the return between two prices; use CAGR for a yearly rate.
Calculators give estimates for learning and planning. They are not financial, tax, legal or medical advice, and results depend entirely on the numbers you enter. Check rates, limits and rules with an official source or a qualified professional before acting.