How it works
difference = |a − b| ÷ ((a + b) ÷ 2) × 100the base is the average of the two values
- a
- the first value
- b
- the second value
- difference
- the gap relative to their average
Use percentage difference when the two numbers are equally valid, like two measurements. Use percentage change when one is clearly a starting point.
Frequently asked questions
What is the percentage difference between 40 and 50?
About 22.22%.
Is percentage difference the same as percentage change?
No. Difference uses the average as the base and ignores order; change uses the old value as the base.
Does the order of the numbers matter?
No. 40 and 50 give the same percentage difference as 50 and 40.
What is the percentage difference between 10 and 20?
About 66.67%.