Calculate the percentage difference between two values. This symmetric comparison doesn't designate either value as the reference point.
Steps:
Compare 100 and 120:
|100-120| = 20, Average = 110, Difference = 18.18%
Compare 50 and 70:
|50-70| = 20, Average = 60, Difference = 33.33%
| Aspect | Percentage Difference | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|
| Formula | |V₁-V₂| / ((V₁+V₂)/2) × 100 | (New-Original) / Original × 100 |
| Reference Point | Average of both values | Original value |
| Symmetry | Symmetric (order doesn't matter) | Asymmetric (order matters) |
| Use Case | Comparing two measurements | Tracking change over time |
Compare experimental results, measurement accuracy, and data validation.
Compare test scores, athletic performance, or benchmark results.
Assess manufacturing tolerances and product consistency.
Compare prices, market values, or competitive analysis.
Percentage difference is calculated by: (1) Finding the absolute difference between two values, (2) Calculating their average, (3) Dividing the difference by the average and multiplying by 100. Formula: (|Value₁ - Value₂| / ((Value₁ + Value₂)/2)) × 100.