How to Calculate Percentage Increase
Write down the starting value and end value., Find the size of the increase., Divide the answer by the starting value., Multiply the result by 100.
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Write down the starting value and end value.
For example, let's say your auto insurance premium just went up.
Write down these values:
Your car insurance premium was $400 before the increase.
This is the starting value.
After the increase, it costs $450.
This is the end value. -
Step 2: Find the size of the increase.
Subtract the starting value from the end value to find the out how much it increased.We're still working with ordinary numbers at this point, not percentages.
In our example, $450
- $400 = a $50 increase. , A percentage is just a special kind of fraction.
For example, "5% of doctors" is quick way to write "5 out of 100 doctors." By dividing the answer by the starting value, we turn it into a fraction that compares the two values.
In our example, $50 / $400 =
0.125. , This converts your last result into a percentage.
The final answer to our example is
0.125 x 100 =
12.5% increase in auto insurance premiums. -
Step 3: Divide the answer by the starting value.
-
Step 4: Multiply the result by 100.
Detailed Guide
For example, let's say your auto insurance premium just went up.
Write down these values:
Your car insurance premium was $400 before the increase.
This is the starting value.
After the increase, it costs $450.
This is the end value.
Subtract the starting value from the end value to find the out how much it increased.We're still working with ordinary numbers at this point, not percentages.
In our example, $450
- $400 = a $50 increase. , A percentage is just a special kind of fraction.
For example, "5% of doctors" is quick way to write "5 out of 100 doctors." By dividing the answer by the starting value, we turn it into a fraction that compares the two values.
In our example, $50 / $400 =
0.125. , This converts your last result into a percentage.
The final answer to our example is
0.125 x 100 =
12.5% increase in auto insurance premiums.
About the Author
Nancy Roberts
Nancy Roberts specializes in accounting and has been creating helpful content for over 3 years. Nancy is committed to helping readers learn new skills and improve their lives.
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