When working with percentage calculation, it is a frequently need for us to calculate the percentage difference between two percentages. In this article, I will show you 2 easy ways to calculate the percentage difference between two percentages in Excel.
What Is Percentage Difference Between Two Percentages?
The percentage difference between two percentages is the difference between the percentages divided by the average of the two percentages. So, the formula would be:
But, if you are given the actual values instead of percentages and still want to calculate the percentage difference of the values, then you can use the formula below.
Percentage Difference Between Two Percentages in Excel: 2 Easy Ways
Say, we have a dataset of 5 products with the percentage profits for the months of January and February. Now, we want to calculate the percentage difference in profits in February from January. Go through this article below to learn about this and accomplish your desired goals.
1. Percentage Difference Between Columns in Excel
You can easily calculate the percentage difference between two columns in Excel using formulas.
📌 Steps:
- First, click on cell E5 and insert the following formula.
=(D5-C5)/AVERAGE(C5:D5)- Hit the Enter key.
- Then, place your cursor in the bottom right position of the cell.
- The black Fill Handle will appear.
- Drag it down to copy the same formula dynamically for all the other cells below.
As a result, you will get all the percentage differences in February from January for every product. And, the output should look like this.
Read More: How to Calculate Year over Year Percentage Change in Excel
2. Percentage Difference Among Rows in Excel
Now, it might occur that you need to calculate the percentage difference among rows. Say, you are given a dataset containing percentage profits from Computer, TV, and Mobile for the years 2017 and 2018 and the data are row-wise. Now, go through the steps below to calculate the percentage difference among rows.
📌 Steps:
- Move to cell C7.
- Insert the following formula and press the Enter key.
=(C6-C5)/AVERAGE(C5:C6)
- Then, place your cursor in the bottom right position of the cell.
- Drag the fill handle rightward upon its appearance.
Thus, all the products’ profit percentage difference is calculated in 2018 from 2017. And, the outcome should look like this.
Read More: How to Show Percentage Change in Excel Graph
What to Do If Percentage Differences Are Negative in Excel
Now, it might happen sometimes that you will get negative results when subtracting profit percentages. For example, if your profit decrease in the recent year than the previous years, then you would get a negative profit percentage difference using the previous formulas. Use the methods below to handle negative percentage differences.
1. Get the Absolute Value of Negative Percentages Using ABS Function
You can use the ABS function to handle negative percentage differences. It would convert the negative results into positive results.
📌 Steps:
- First, click on cell E5 and insert the formula below.
=ABS((D5-C5)/AVERAGE(C5:D5))- Following, press the Enter key.
- Use your fill handle feature downward to copy the same formula for all the other cells below.
All the cells below would have the same formula and you will get positive results for all the percentage differences. No matter the calculated profit percentage either increases or decreases. And, for instance, the result should look like this.
Read More: How to Calculate Percentage Change with Negative Numbers in Excel
2. Combine MAX and MIN Functions to Get Positive Percentages
Moreover, you can combine the MAX and MIN functions to handle negative percentage differences in Excel.
📌 Steps:
- First, click on cell E5.
- Insert the formula below and hit the Enter key.
=(MAX(C5:D5)-MIN(C5:D5))/AVERAGE(C5:D5)
- Put your cursor in the bottom right position of the cell.
- Drag the fill handle downwards.
As a result, you will get your desired results of the profit percentage differences as positive values and the output should look like this.
Read More: How to Calculate Average Percentage Change in Excel
How to Calculate Percentage Difference Between Two Numbers in Excel
Now, it might occur that you are given actual profits from several products. From the actual profit values, you need to calculate the profit percentage differences. Follow the steps below to achieve this target.
📌 Steps:
- Initially, click on cell E5 and insert the following formula.
=(D5-C5)/C5- Hit the Enter key.
- Next, place your cursor in the bottom right position of the cell.
- Drag the Fill Handle icon downward to copy the same formula for all the other cells below.
As a result, you will get all the percentage differences and the output should look like this.
Read More: Calculate Percentage Difference Between Two Numbers in Excel
💬 Things to Remember
- If you subtract two percentages, the result will be automatically in percentage.
- If you convert some cells into Percentage format, the values will be automatically multiplied by 100.
- If you convert Percentage formatted cells into Number format, the cell values will be divided by 100 automatically.
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Conclusion
In this article, I have shown you 2 easy ways to calculate the percentage difference between two percentages in Excel. I suggest you read the full article carefully and practice accordingly. I hope you find this article helpful and informative. Besides, you are welcome to comment here if you have any further queries or recommendations regarding this article.
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