How to Calculate Percentage Increase Step-by-Step

The Formula

The universal formula for percentage increase is:

Percentage Increase = ((New Value - Old Value) / Old Value) × 100

It consists of three simple steps:

1. Subtract: (New - Old) to find the difference.
2. Divide: Divide that difference by the Old Value.
3. Multiply: Times by 100 to get a percentage.

Step-by-Step Example

Let's say you bought a house for $300,000 and it is now worth $345,000. What is the percentage increase?

Step 1: Find the Difference

Subtract the original price from the new price.

$345,000 - $300,000 = $45,000

(The property value increased by $45,000)

Step 2: Divide by the Original

Divide the increase ($45,000) by the original price ($300,000).

$45,000 / $300,000 = 0.15

Step 3: Convert to Percentage

Multiply by 100.

0.15 * 100 = 15%

Result: Your home value increased by 15%.

Want to calculate this instantly? Use our Property Value Increase Calculator.

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How to Do It in Excel / Google Sheets

If you have data in a spreadsheet, you don't need a calculator.

• Cell A1:

  300000

  (Old Value)
• Cell B1:

  345000

  (New Value)

In Cell C1, type this formula:

=(B1-A1)/A1

Then click the "%" button in the toolbar to format it as a percentage. It will automatically show 15%.

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Common Scenarios

1. Price Hikes

If milk goes from $3.00 to $4.50.

(4.50 - 3.00) / 3.00 = 0.50

-> 50% increase. (Check Price Increases here)

2. Rent Increases

If rent goes from $1200 to $1260.

(1260 - 1200) / 1200 = 0.05

-> 5% increase. (Check Rent Increases here)

3. Population Growth

City grows from 10,000 to 12,000 people.

(12000 - 10000) / 10000 = 0.20

-> 20% growth. (Check Population stats here)

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What If It Decreases?

If the new number is smaller than the old number, you calculate it the exact same way. The result will just be negative, which indicates a percentage decrease.

• Example: $100 to $80.

• (80 - 100) / 100 = -0.20

  -> -20%

For specifically tracking drops, use our Percentage Decrease Calculator.

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Conclusion

You don't need to be a mathematician to master percentage growth. Just remember: (Difference / Original) × 100.

For complex numbers or quick checks, bookmark our main Percentage Increase Calculator to get precise answers in seconds.