How to Do Percent Change in Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Excel makes calculating percent change easier, whether you’re tracking sales growth, analyzing data trends, or comparing figures. With clear instructions and practical examples, even beginners can master this useful Excel skill.
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How to Do Percent Change in Microsoft Excel
Calculating the percent change in Microsoft Excel involves a few simple steps. This calculation is commonly used to measure the change in values over time, such as changes in sales, prices, or other metrics. Here are the steps to compute the percent change between two numbers in Excel.
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Step 1. Enter the Data
Begin by entering your data into Excel. For example, if you have two columns labeled “Old Value” and “New Value,” input your numbers accordingly. A1: Old Value B1: New Value A2: 100 B2: 150
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Step 2. Select the Cell for Percent Change
Click on the cell where you want the percent change result to appear. For instance, click on cell C2 if you want the result to be displayed there.
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Step 3. Enter the Percent Change Formula
In the selected cell, enter the formula to calculate the percent change. The formula is: = (New Value – Old Value) / Old Value * 100 After entering the formula, press the Enter key. The cell will now display the percent change. In this example, cell C2 will show 50, indicating a 50% increase from the old value to the new value.
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Step 4. Format the Result as a Percentage
To format the result as a percentage, click on the cell with the percent change result, then go to the “Home” tab. In the “Number” group, click the percentage symbol (%) to format the cell as a percentage. This will display the result with a percent sign.
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FAQs
How do I display formulas in Excel instead of values?
Press Ctrl + ~ or click “Show Formulas” in the “Formulas” tab.
Can I see all the formulas in a worksheet at once?
Yes. Use the “Show Formulas” button or the Ctrl + ~ shortcut.
How do I switch back to showing values instead of formulas?
Press Ctrl + ~ again or click “Show Formulas” once more.
What if the formulas are too long to read in the cells?
Adjust the column widths to ensure the entire formula is visible.
Where is the ‘Show Formulas’ button located?
It’s in the “Formulas” tab under the “Formula Auditing” group.