Percentage Increase Calculator 2025: Formula & Examples (Free Tool)
Whether you're tracking your portfolio's growth, negotiating a salary raise, or analyzing business revenue, understanding percentage increase is a vital skill. It allows you to measure growth relative to where you started, providing a clear picture of progress.
In this guide, we will break down the percentage increase formula, show you exactly how to calculate it step-by-step, and provide real-world examples that you can apply today.
What is Percentage Increase?
Percentage increase refers to the difference between a final value and an initial value, expressed as a percentage of the initial value. It answers the question: "How much has this number grown compared to where it started?"
Unlike absolute change (which just gives you the difference in numbers), percentage increase gives you context. A $10 increase on a $20 item (50%) is much more significant than a $10 increase on a $1000 item (1%).
Percentage Increase = ((New Value - Original Value) / Original Value) × 100
New Value: The value you have now.
Original Value: The value you started with.
Difference: The gap between the two.
Step-by-Step Calculation Guide
Scenario: Rent Increase
Imagine your rent was $1,200 last year, and this year it has gone up to $1,350.
- Find the Difference: $1350 - $1200 = $150
- Divide by Original: $150 / $1200 = 0.125
- Convert to %: 0.125 × 100 = 12.5%
Result: Your rent increased by 12.5%.
Real-Life Examples
Old: $60k | New: $72k
20% Raise
Buy: $50 | Current: $85
70% Return
Last: 10k | This: 15k
50% Growth
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. If a value doubles, the increase is 100%. If it triples, the increase is 200%.
If your calculation gives a negative number (e.g., -15%), it means the value has decreased by 15%.
To increase a number by 5%, multiply it by 1.05. Example: 100 × 1.05 = 105.
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