What is percentage increase?
Percentage increase measures how much a value has grown compared with where it started. It is used for price rises, salary changes, growth in sales or followers, and any comparison between an earlier and a later number.
Percentage increase formula
percentage increase = (new value − original value) ÷ original value × 100
To apply a known increase to a number, use new value = original × (1 + percent ÷ 100).
Step-by-step examples
Finding the increase. A price rises from 60 to 80.
| Step | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Find the rise | 80 − 60 | 20 |
| 2. Divide by the original | 20 ÷ 60 | 0.3333 |
| 3. Convert to percent | 0.3333 × 100 | 33.33% |
Applying an increase. Raise 200 by 15%.
| Step | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Find the amount | 200 × 0.15 | 30 |
| 2. Add it | 200 + 30 | 230 |
Common mistakes
- Dividing by the new value instead of the original value.
- Mixing up percent and percentage points. A rate that moves from 4% to 6% rose by 2 percentage points, which is a 50% increase.
- Expecting a rise and a fall of the same percentage to cancel out. Use the percentage decrease calculator or the backwards percentage calculator to see why.
How to use this calculator
- Enter your values. Find how much a number has grown as a percentage, or increase a number by a percentage.
- Check units and assumptions. Make sure the inputs use the same scale and that any optional settings match your situation.
- Calculate and review. Compare the output with the formula below and note any limitations stated on the page.
Formula and calculation method
Use the relevant percentage relationship shown on this page. For a change between two values, compare the difference with the correct reference value; for reverse calculations, rearrange the equation to solve for the missing starting value.
Worked example
For example, if a price changes from $60 to $80, the difference is $20. Dividing $20 by the starting value of $60 and multiplying by 100 gives a 33.33% increase. Always use the original value as the denominator for percentage increase.
Search and practical tips
People commonly search for a percentage increase calculator – free tool, how to calculate the result step by step, which formula to use, and how to check the answer manually. Use the formula above as a transparent starting point, and consult the relevant institution, agency, or qualified professional when an official rule or personal circumstances affect the result.
Frequently asked questions
What is the formula for percentage increase?
Percentage increase = (new − original) ÷ original × 100. For 60 rising to 80: (80 − 60) ÷ 60 × 100 = 33.33%.
How do I increase a number by a percentage?
Multiply the number by 1 plus the percentage as a decimal. To increase 200 by 15%, calculate 200 × 1.15 = 230. Switch the calculator to the second mode to do this automatically.
What if the new value is lower than the original?
Then the change is a decrease. The calculator shows the percentage decrease and tells you the new value is lower.
Can a percentage increase be more than 100%?
Yes. A 100% increase doubles a value, and a 200% increase triples it. Percentage increases have no upper limit, unlike decreases, which stop at 100%.
How do I find the original value before an increase?
Divide the final value by 1 plus the percentage. Our backwards percentage calculator does this for you.