How to Calculate Percent Change

Definition

Percent change tells you how much a value has increased or decreased in percentage terms relative to its original amount.

Formula

Percent Change = ((New Value – Old Value) / Old Value) × 100

Example

If a stock price goes from $50 to $60:

• Old Value = 50
• New Value = 60
• Percent Change = ((60 – 50) / 50) × 100 = 20%

Calculator

Old Value: New Value: Calculate Percent Change

FAQ

1. What's the difference between percent change and percent increase?

Percent change can be positive or negative, indicating increase or decrease. Percent increase specifically looks at growth from an original value.

2. How often is percent change used in finance?

It's extremely common—investors look at percent change daily to track stock price movements or company growth rates.

3. Any related calculators?

Check out our Percent Error calculator for comparing measured vs. actual values in scientific contexts.