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Calculate a Percentage Increase

Use our free Percentage Increase Calculator to quickly find how much a number has increased by a given percentage. Enter the original value and the percentage increase to see the increase amount and the new value instantly.

How to Calculate a Percentage Increase

Percentage increase shows how much a value has risen compared with its original value. It is useful for measuring increases in prices, salaries, sales, costs, investments and many other everyday situations.

To calculate percentage increase:

  1. Subtract the original value from the new value.

  2. Divide the increase by the original value.

  3. Multiply the result by 100.

 

Formula

Percentage Increase = (New Value − Original Value) ÷ Original Value × 100

 

Example 1: A Salary Increase

Suppose a salary rises from £2,000 to £2,300.

Increase = £2,300 − £2,000 = £300
£300 ÷ £2,000 = 0.15
0.15 × 100 = 15%

The salary has increased by 15%.

 

Example 2: A Price Increase

An item originally costs £80 and later costs £100.

Increase = £100 − £80 = £20
£20 ÷ £80 = 0.25
0.25 × 100 = 25%

The price has increased by 25%.

 

Example 3: An Increase in Sales

A business sells 400 units one month and 500 units the following month.

Increase = 500 − 400 = 100
100 ÷ 400 = 0.25
0.25 × 100 = 25%

Sales have increased by 25%.

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When Is Percentage Increase Useful?

Percentage increase is useful whenever you want to measure how much a value has grown compared with its original amount. It is commonly used for salaries, prices, sales, business costs, investments and everyday expenses.

For example, if your monthly salary rises from £2,000 to £2,300, the increase is £300. Dividing £300 by the original £2,000 gives 0.15, which means your salary has increased by 15%.

A Common Percentage Increase Mistake

Always divide the increase by the original value, not the new value.

For example, if a price rises from £80 to £100, the increase is £20. Dividing £20 by the original £80 gives 25%. Dividing by £100 instead would give the wrong percentage increase.

 

Percentage Increase vs Percentage Difference

Percentage increase measures how much a value has risen from a known starting value. Percentage difference is used when comparing two values where neither one is necessarily the starting point.

If you are comparing an original value with a higher new value, use percentage increase.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can percentage increase be more than 100%?
Yes. If a value rises from £50 to £125, the increase is £75, which is a 150% increase.

 

What does a 100% increase mean?
A 100% increase means the original value has doubled. For example, £50 increased by 100% becomes £100.

 

How do I reverse a percentage increase?
If you know the final value and percentage increase but need to find the original amount, use our Reverse Percentage Calculator.

 

Related Calculators

Percentage Decrease Calculator — calculate how much a value has fallen.
Percentage Change Calculator — measure the overall percentage change between two values.
Percentage Difference Calculator — compare two values when neither is considered the starting value.

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