Percentage Points Calculator
Calculate the difference in percentage points (pp) alongside relative percentage change between two rates.
Percentage points vs. relative change
Understanding the mathematical difference between linear difference and proportional growth:
Percentage Points (pp)
Absolute linear arithmetic difference on the percentage scale.
Relative Percentage Change
Proportional growth or decline relative to the starting baseline.
Percentage points examples
Central bank interest rate hike
The benchmark interest rate is raised from 3.00% to 3.75%.
Election polling lead
A candidate moves from 42% support to 49% support over two weeks.
Frequently asked questions
What is a percentage point?
A percentage point (pp) is the unit for the arithmetic difference of two percentages. For example, moving from 40% to 44% is a 4 percentage point increase (44 − 40 = 4 pp), but a 10% relative increase ((4 ÷ 40) × 100 = 10%).
Why is the distinction between percentage points and percent change critical?
Confusing the two causes major factual errors in finance, economics, and polling. If interest rates rise from 1% to 2%, they increased by 1 percentage point, but borrowing costs doubled (a 100% relative increase).
When should you report percentage points versus percent change?
Use percentage points when discussing changes in rates that are already percentages (e.g. inflation, interest rates, market share, survey polls). Use percent change when discussing the proportional growth of a value relative to its starting level.
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