October 25, 2026 · Math
A simple formula for a common calculation.
Percentage increase is one of those calculations that shows up everywhere — in finance, science, shopping, and everyday life. Whether you are tracking a price increase, measuring growth, or comparing two values, knowing how to calculate percentage increase is a useful skill.
In this guide, I will explain the formula, walk through examples, and show you how to use our free calculator.
The formula for percentage increase is:
Percentage Increase = ((New Value − Original Value) / Original Value) × 100
If the result is positive, it is an increase. If negative, it is a decrease.
A product used to cost $80. Now it costs $100. What is the percentage increase?
The price increased by 25%.
Your salary was $50,000. You received a raise to $55,000. What is the percentage increase?
Your salary increased by 10%.
A town had 12,000 people last year. This year it has 13,200. What is the percentage increase?
Our free Percentage Increase Calculator does the math for you. Just enter the original value and the new value, and it shows the percentage change instantly. It works for both increases and decreases.
Percentage change is a broader term that includes both increases and decreases. Percentage increase specifically refers to a positive change.
Yes, but the result can be confusing. For example, going from -10 to -5 is technically a 50% increase, but it is easier to think of it as a decrease in negative value.
Division by zero is undefined. You cannot calculate percentage increase from zero.
Percentage increase is a simple but powerful calculation. Once you know the formula, you can apply it to prices, salaries, populations, and more. Try our free Percentage Increase Calculator to save time.