1. What is Percentage Difference?

The percentage difference measures the relative difference between two values expressed as a percentage. It shows how much one value differs from another in relation to the original value.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the percentage difference formula:

Where:

• \( V1 \) — Initial or reference value
• \( V2 \) — New or comparison value
• \( |V1 - V2| \) — Absolute difference between values

Explanation: The formula calculates what percentage V2 differs from V1, regardless of direction (increase or decrease).

3. When to Use Percentage Difference

Details: Percentage difference is useful for comparing:

• Experimental results to expected values
• Price changes over time
• Performance improvements
• Measurement variations

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both values (V1 and V2). The calculator will determine what percentage V2 differs from V1. Note that V1 cannot be zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How is percentage difference different from percentage change?
A: Percentage difference is always positive (absolute value) and compares two values without direction, while percentage change indicates increase or decrease.

Q2: What does a 0% difference mean?
A: A 0% difference means the two values are identical.

Q3: Can percentage difference be greater than 100%?
A: Yes, if V2 is more than double V1 (or less than half if V1 is negative).

Q4: Why use absolute value in the formula?
A: Absolute value ensures the difference is always expressed as a positive percentage, focusing on magnitude rather than direction.

Q5: How to interpret a 50% difference?
A: A 50% difference means the second value is halfway between the first value and zero (or twice as far from zero if increasing).