Calculate the percentage difference between two values. Useful for comparing prices, measurements, test scores, and more.
The percentage difference is a measure of how much two values differ relative to their average. It's useful for comparing two values without regard to which one is larger or smaller.
Comparing test scores: 85 and 90
Percentage Difference = |85 - 90| / ((85 + 90)/2) Ć 100
= 5 / 87.5 Ć 100 = 5.71%
This means the scores differ by 5.71% relative to their average.
Percentage difference is commonly used in many contexts:
Percentage Difference compares two values without considering direction. It's always positive and symmetrical.
Percentage Change measures how much a value has increased or decreased from an original value. It can be positive or negative and is directional.
For example, if a product price increases from $100 to $120:
ā¢ Percentage Difference: |100-120|/((100+120)/2)Ć100 = 18.18%
ā¢ Percentage Change (increase): (120-100)/100Ć100 = 20%
ā¢ Percentage Change (decrease from 120 to 100): (100-120)/120Ć100 = -16.67%
Understanding these concepts helps you choose the right calculation for your specific needs.
The formula for percentage difference is:
Where:
Vā = First value
Vā = Second value
|Vā - Vā| = Absolute difference between values
(Vā + Vā)/2 = Average of the two values
The formula for percentage change is:
Positive result = Increase
Negative result = Decrease
| Value 1 | Value 2 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 110 | 9.52% |
| 100 | 120 | 18.18% |
| 100 | 150 | 40% |
| 100 | 200 | 66.67% |