TechShift Digital · Practical guide
Two questions, two different answers
If a rate rises from 20% to 25%, the increase is 5 percentage points. Relative to the original 20%, it is a 25% increase. Both statements can be correct, but they describe different comparisons.
Use the right formula
For percentage change between ordinary values, use =(B2-A2)/A2 and format the result as a percentage. Moving from 80 to 100 produces 25%.
For a percentage-point difference, subtract the two rates. If cells contain 20% and 25%, =B2-A2 returns 5% as a cell value, which you should describe as 5 percentage points.
Watch the baseline
A zero baseline has no defined percentage change. A negative baseline requires careful interpretation. Do not hide those cases behind a formula that silently replaces an error with zero.
Label the result clearly
Show the original value, new value, period and unit. Use “percentage points” when comparing rates directly, and “percentage increase” when describing relative growth.
Try the percentage change calculator.