Percentage Difference Between Two Percentages in Excel

When working with percentage calculations, it is a frequent 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.

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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 you want to calculate the percentage difference of the values, then you can use the formula below.

2 Easy Ways to Calculate Percentage Difference Between Two Percentages in Excel

Say, we have a dataset of 5 products with the percentage profits for the month of January and February. Now, we want to calculate the percentage difference in profits in February from January. Go through the 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 Excel formulas. Follow the steps below to do this.

📌 Steps:

• First and foremost, click on cell E5 and insert the following formula.

• Subsequently, hit the Enter key.

• Afterward, place your cursor in the bottom right position of the cell.
• Consequently, a black fill handle will appear.
• Following, 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.

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:

• At the very beginning, click on cell C7.
• Afterward, insert the following formula and press the Enter key.

• Afterward, place your cursor in the bottom right position of the cell.
• Subsequently, 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.

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 lessens in the recent year than the previous years, then you would get negative profit percentage difference results if you use the previous formulas. Use the methods below to handle negative percentage differences.

1. Get Absolute Value of Negative Percentages Using ABS Function

You can use the Excel ABS function to handle negative percentage differences. It would convert the negative results into positive results. Follow the steps below to do this.

📌 Steps:

• First, click on cell E5 and insert the formula below.

• Following, press the Enter key.

• Afterward, use your fill handle feature downward to copy the same formula for all the other cells below.

Consequently, all the cells below would have the same formula and you will get positive results for all the percentage differences when the profit percentage either increases or decreases. And, for instance, the result should look like this.

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. Go through the steps below to do this.

📌 Steps:

• First and foremost, click on cell E5.
• Following, insert the formula below and hit the Enter key.

• Afterward, put your cursor in the bottom right position of the cell.
• Subsequently, drag the fill handle below upon its arrival.

As a result, you will get your desired results of the profit percentage differences as positive values and the output should look like this.

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.

• Subsequently, hit the Enter key.

• Next, place your cursor in the bottom right position of the cell.
• As a result, a black fill handle will appear.
• Following, drag it 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.

💬 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.

Conclusion

So, 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.

And, visit ExcelDemy to learn about many more Excel problem solutions, tips, and tricks. Thank you!

Further Readings

• Calculate Average Percentage in Excel [Free Template+Calculator]
• Subtract a Percentage in Excel (Easy Way)
• Calculate Percentage Increase between 3 Numbers in Excel [Free Template]
• How to find percentage between two numbers in Excel
• How do you Calculate Percentage Increase or Decrease in Excel
• How to Calculate Cumulative Percentage in Excel
• Excel formula to calculate percentage of grand total (4 Easy Ways)