Enter the first price value in dollars.
Enter the second price value in dollars.
History:

Explanation

How to determine the percentage difference between two prices for an item?

It can be determined using a simple formula:

The difference relative to the first cost (a) is:

§§ c = \frac{b - a}{a} \times 100 §§

where:

  • § c § — percentage difference
  • § a § — first cost (price)
  • § b § — second cost (price)

This difference denotes by what percentage the second value § b § is more (or less, if the sign is «-») relative to the first value § a §.

Example:

First Price (§ a §): $10

Second Price (§ b §): $12

Percentage Difference:

§§ c = \frac{12 - 10}{10} \times 100 = 20% §§

The difference relative to the second cost (b) is:

§§ c = \frac{a - b}{b} \times 100 §§

where:

  • § c § — percentage difference
  • § a § — first cost (price)
  • § b § — second cost (price)

This difference denotes by what percentage the first value § a § is more (or less, if the sign is «-») relative to the second cost § b §.

Example:

First Price (§ a §): $12

Second Price (§ b §): $10

Percentage Difference:

§§ c = \frac{12 - 10}{10} \times 100 = 20% §§

When to use the Percentage Difference Calculator?

  1. Price Comparisons: Determine how much a price has increased or decreased over time.

    • Example: Comparing the price of a product last year to its current price.

  2. Investment Analysis: Calculate the percentage change in investment values.

    • Example: Assessing the performance of stocks or other financial assets.

  3. Financial Planning: Evaluate changes in expenses or income.

    • Example: Comparing monthly utility bills or year-over-year income.

  4. Academic Research: Analyze variations in data sets.

    • Example: Examining the percentage change in population or sales over multiple periods.

  5. Business Reporting: Track changes in key performance metrics.

    • Example: Monitoring changes in sales revenue or profit margins.

Practical examples

  • Retail Business: A retailer might use this calculator to determine the percentage increase in prices of products due to inflation or changes in supplier costs.
  • Personal Budgeting: An individual could use the calculator to track their expenses and see how their spending has changed month-to-month or year-to-year.
  • Academic Studies: Researchers can analyze various statistical data, such as changes in population size, usage statistics, or survey results.

Use the calculator above to input different values and see the percentage difference change dynamically. The results will help you make informed decisions based on the data you have.