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Percentage difference calculator

Calculate the symmetric percentage difference between two values, regardless of which one is larger. Unlike percentage increase, this calculation is always positive and order-independent.

Processed on your device. Nothing is sent to any server.

Percentage difference

22.22%

Calculates |A - B| divided by the average of A and B, multiplied by 100.

Use cases

  • Comparing two measurements with no clear time order.
  • Analyzing the spread between two estimates.
  • Comparing prices from two suppliers.

How it works

  1. 1

    Enter value A

    Type the first value.

  2. 2

    Enter value B

    Type the second value.

Technical details

  • Example: between 80 and 100 the percentage difference is |80 − 100| / 90 × 100 = 22.22%, because 90 is the average of the two.
  • The order of A and B doesn't matter. Result rounded to 2 decimal places. You can type decimals with a comma or a dot (12.5 or 12,5).
  • It's meant for comparing two positive values of the same kind, such as two prices or two measurements.

Frequently asked questions

How is it different from percentage increase?

Percentage increase depends on which value is 'initial'; percentage difference is symmetric and always gives the same result regardless of order.

Why doesn't it match the percentage increase?

Because each divides by a different base. From 80 to 100 is a 25% increase (based on 80); the percentage difference is 22.22% (based on the average, 90). Use increase when there's a starting and an ending value.

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