How to Find the Growth Percentage in Excel
Finding the growth percentage in Excel is a common task when analyzing data and tracking changes over time. Whether you’re looking to compare sales figures, population growth, or any other metric, Excel provides a straightforward method to calculate the growth percentage. In this article, we will guide you through the process of finding the growth percentage in Excel using different methods, including the built-in functions and formulas.
Using the Percent Change Function
One of the simplest ways to find the growth percentage in Excel is by using the Percent Change function. This function calculates the percentage change between two values. To use it, follow these steps:
1. Select the cell where you want to display the growth percentage.
2. Enter the following formula: =PERCENTCHANGE(old_value, new_value).
3. Replace “old_value” with the initial value and “new_value” with the new value you want to compare it to.
4. Press Enter, and Excel will calculate the growth percentage for you.
Using the Growth Rate Formula
Another method to find the growth percentage in Excel is by using the Growth Rate formula. This formula calculates the percentage increase from the first value to the last value in a data range. Here’s how to use it:
1. Select the cell where you want to display the growth percentage.
2. Enter the following formula: =GROWTH(old_value, new_value).
3. Replace “old_value” with the initial value and “new_value” with the final value in your data range.
4. Press Enter, and Excel will display the growth percentage.
Calculating Growth Percentage Manually
If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can calculate the growth percentage manually using the following formula:
1. Subtract the old value from the new value: new_value – old_value.
2. Divide the result by the old value: (new_value – old_value) / old_value.
3. Multiply the result by 100 to get the percentage: ((new_value – old_value) / old_value) 100.
This formula will give you the growth percentage as a decimal. To convert it to a percentage, simply multiply the result by 100.
Formatting the Growth Percentage
After calculating the growth percentage, you may want to format the cell to display the percentage with a specific number of decimal places. To do this, select the cell containing the growth percentage, click on the “Number” tab in the ribbon, and choose the desired format from the “Percentage” section.
Conclusion
Finding the growth percentage in Excel is a valuable skill for anyone working with data. By using the Percent Change function, Growth Rate formula, or manual calculation, you can easily determine the percentage increase or decrease between two values. Whether you’re analyzing financial data, tracking population growth, or comparing sales figures, Excel provides the tools to help you make informed decisions based on the growth percentage.
