How to Do Percentage Change in Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Excel allows you to easily calculate percentage change, making it simple to analyze data trends. This guide will show you how to compute percentage changes in Excel, helping you track increases or decreases between values efficiently.
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How to Do Percentage Change in Microsoft Excel
Calculating percentage change in Microsoft Excel helps you evaluate data trends by determining the increase or decrease between values. Follow these steps to compute the percentage change in your spreadsheet:
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Step 1. Open Your Excel Workbook
Start by opening the Excel workbook that contains the data you want to analyze for percentage change.
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Step 2. Identify Your Values
Locate the cells containing the original value and the new value. For example, if the original value is in cell A1 and the new value is in cell B1, these are the values you will use for the calculation.
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Step 3. Use the Percentage Change Formula
In an empty cell, type the formula “=(new value – original value) / original value * 100.” Using our example, you would type =(B1 – A1) / A1 * 100 to calculate the percentage change.
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Step 4. Apply the Formula
Press “Enter” to apply the formula in the sheet. The cell will display the percentage change between the original value and the new value.
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Step 5. Format the Result as a Percentage
To ensure the result is displayed as a percentage, select the cell with the formula, go to the “Home” tab, and click the “Percentage” button in the “Number” group. This will format the result as a percentage in your worksheet.
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FAQs
How do I calculate percentage change in Microsoft Excel?
Use the formula “=(new value – original value) / original value * 100.”
Can I calculate percentage change for multiple data points at once?
Yes, apply the formula to one cell and drag the fill handle to apply it to adjacent cells.
How do I format the result as a percentage in Excel?
Select the cell with the formula, go to the “Home” tab, and click the “Percentage” button in the “Number” group.
Is there a way to calculate percentage change without manually entering the formula?
You can use Excel functions or tools like “Flash Fill” to automate the process for multiple cells.
Can I display the percentage change as a positive or negative value?
Yes, the formula inherently shows positive values for increases and negative values for decreases.