Percentage 'difference' is different from percentage 'change' - difference is symmetric (doesn't depend on which number is 'before'), while change does. Used in science / engineering where comparing two measurements is order-independent. Formula: |A - B| / ((A + B) / 2) x 100.
When to use this
Use for: scientific measurement comparison (where neither is 'reference'), comparing two analyst estimates of the same value, comparing test scores for two groups, contrasting any two figures where order doesn't matter (revenues from two divisions, weights of two products).
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'percent change' and 'percent difference'?
Percent change: (New - Old) / Old x 100 - asymmetric, has a reference. Percent difference: |A - B| / avg(A, B) x 100 - symmetric, no reference. Use change for before/after; use difference for comparing peers.
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