How to use it
- Enter the original value, such as last year’s rent.
- Enter the new value, such as this year’s rent.
- Read the percentage increase and the change in value. If the new value is lower, the result is negative and the calculator says it is a decrease.
The formula
Increase (%) = (New − Original) ÷ Original × 100
The change is always measured against where you started, so the same amount of change is a bigger percentage when the starting value is small.
Worked example
Monthly rent goes from 450 to 495.
Change = 495 − 450 = 45.
Increase = 45 ÷ 450 × 100 = 10%.
Assumptions
- The first value is the starting point.
- Both values must be zero or more; the original value cannot be zero.
Common mistakes
- Swapping the two values. 450 → 495 is a 10% increase, but 495 → 450 is a 9.09% decrease.
- Calling a change from 5% to 7% a "2% increase". It is 2 percentage points, which is a 40% increase.
Questions
What if the new value is lower?
You get a negative result, which means a decrease. Switch to "% decrease" in the full percentage calculator to see it as a positive figure.
How do I calculate the increase over several years?
Use the first and last values here for the total increase. For the average yearly growth you need a compound rate, which the savings calculator models.
Estimates only. Your actual figures depend on the provider’s terms.