Percentage Difference Calculator
Calculate the percentage difference between two numbers
How to Use This Calculator
Enter First Value
Type the first number you want to compare.
Enter Second Value
Type the second number you want to compare.
View Result
The percentage difference will be displayed along with helpful statistics.
Formula
Percentage Difference = (|Value 1 - Value 2| / ((Value 1 + Value 2) / 2)) × 100
Note: The order of values doesn't matter
Example 1: Compare 50 and 75
Difference = (|50 - 75| / ((50 + 75) / 2)) × 100
Difference = (25 / 62.5) × 100
Difference = 40%
The values differ by 40%
Example 2: Compare 100 and 120
Difference = (|100 - 120| / ((100 + 120) / 2)) × 100
Difference = (20 / 110) × 100
Difference = 18.18%
The values differ by 18.18%
Example 3: Compare 200 and 200
Difference = (|200 - 200| / ((200 + 200) / 2)) × 100
Difference = (0 / 200) × 100
Difference = 0%
Identical values have 0% difference
About Percentage Difference Calculator
The Percentage Difference Calculator calculates the percentage difference between two numbers, regardless of which is larger. Unlike percentage change (which compares a new value to an original), percentage difference treats both values equally and is perfect for comparing two different measurements, values, or quantities.
When to Use This Calculator
- Comparing Measurements: Compare two different measurements or readings
- Scientific Data: Analyze variations between experimental results
- Quality Control: Compare actual values to standard values
- Price Comparison: Compare prices from different vendors
- Performance Metrics: Compare performance between two teams or periods
- Test Results: Compare scores or results from different tests
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Order Independent: Values can be entered in any order
- ✅ Instant Results: Get percentage difference immediately
- ✅ Shows Details: Displays absolute difference and average
- ✅ 100% Accurate: Precise mathematical calculations
- ✅ Completely Free: No registration required
- ✅ Mobile Friendly: Works on all devices
Percentage Difference vs Percentage Change
Percentage Difference: Compares two values relative to their average. Order doesn't matter. Used when comparing two independent values.
Percentage Change: Compares a new value to an original value. Order matters (old vs new). Used when tracking changes over time.
- Use percentage difference for: comparing prices, measurements, or independent values
- Use percentage change for: tracking growth, increases, decreases over time
Real-World Applications
Scientific Research: Two lab instruments measure the same sample at 98.5 and 101.2. The 2.7% difference helps assess measurement consistency.
Shopping: Store A sells an item for $45, Store B for $50. The 10.53% difference helps you decide if the price variation is significant.
Sports: Team A scores 85 points, Team B scores 78. The 8.59% difference quantifies the performance gap.
Tips for Using This Calculator
- Values can be entered in any order - result will be the same
- Result is always positive (absolute difference)
- 0% means the values are identical
- Larger percentage means greater difference between values
- The calculator uses the average of both values as the reference point
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between percentage difference and percentage change?
Percentage difference compares two values relative to their average (order doesn't matter). Percentage change compares a new value to an original value (order matters).
Does order matter when entering values?
No! Percentage difference is symmetric. Comparing 50 to 100 gives the same result as comparing 100 to 50.
Can the percentage difference exceed 100%?
Yes! If one value is much larger than the other, the percentage difference can exceed 100%. For example, 10 vs 100 has a 181.82% difference.
What does 0% difference mean?
0% means the two values are identical - there is no difference between them.
Can I use this for negative numbers?
Yes, the calculator works with negative numbers. It uses absolute values in the formula to ensure a meaningful result.