1. What is Percentage Difference?

The percentage difference measures the relative difference between two numbers as a percentage of the first number (Num1). It's useful for comparing two values where one is considered the reference value.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the percentage difference formula:

Where:

• \( Num1 \) — First number (reference value)
• \( Num2 \) — Second number (comparison value)
• \( |Num1 - Num2| \) — Absolute difference between the numbers

Explanation: The formula calculates how much Num2 differs from Num1 as a percentage of Num1.

3. When to Use Percentage Difference

Details: Percentage difference is commonly used in scientific experiments, financial analysis, quality control, and any situation where you need to compare a measured value to a reference value.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both numbers in the fields provided. Num1 should be your reference value. The calculator will show the percentage difference between them.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between percentage difference and percentage change?
A: Percentage difference compares two arbitrary numbers, while percentage change measures change over time (from old to new value).

Q2: Can the result be negative?
A: No, because we use absolute value in the calculation. The result is always positive or zero.

Q3: What if Num1 is zero?
A: The calculation is undefined (division by zero). You'll need to choose a different reference value.

Q4: How is this different from percentage error?
A: Percentage error specifically compares an experimental value to a known theoretical value.

Q5: When would I use Num2 as the denominator instead?
A: If Num2 is your reference value, you should reverse the numbers in the calculator.