How to calculate population growth?

Population growth is calculated by finding the difference between the current population and the initial population, dividing that by the initial population, and multiplying by 100. This rate helps demographers and planners understand expansion trends.

Formula

Growth % = ((Current Pop − Past Pop) ÷ Past Pop) × 100

Worked Example

A town grows from 10,000 to 10,500 people.

1. Increase: 10,500 − 10,000 = 500
2. Ratio: 500 ÷ 10,000 = 0.05
3. Rate: 0.05 × 100 = 5%

Result: The population grew by 5%.