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.


Download Practice Workbook

You can download our practice workbook from here for free!


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:

Percentage Difference = (Difference between Two Percentages / Average of the Two Percentages)

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.

Percentage Difference = (Difference between Two Values / Initial Value)

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.

Sample Dataset to Calculate Percentage Difference between Two Percentages in Excel


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.
=(D5-C5)/AVERAGE(C5:D5)
  • Subsequently, hit the Enter key.

Formula to Calculate Percentage Difference Column-wise between Two Percentages in Excel

  • 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.

Drag the Fill Handle 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.

Percentage Differences between Two Percentages of Two Columns 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.

Dataset to Calculate Percentage Difference among Rows

📌 Steps:

  • At the very beginning, click on cell C7.
  • Afterward, insert the following formula and press the Enter key.
=(C6-C5)/AVERAGE(C5:C6)

Formula to Calculate Percentage Difference among Rows in Excel

  • Afterward, place your cursor in the bottom right position of the cell.
  • Subsequently, drag the fill handle rightward upon its appearance.

Drag Fill Handle Rightward

Thus, all the products’ profit percentage difference is calculated in 2018 from 2017. And, the outcome should look like this.

Calculated Percentage Difference between Two Percentages in Rows in Excel


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.

Dataset that Returns Negative Percentage Difference


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.
=ABS((D5-C5)/AVERAGE(C5:D5))
  • Following, press the Enter key.

Using the ABS Function to Calculate Positive Percentage DIfference between Two Percentages in Excel

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

Drag Fill Handle 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.

Calculated Positive Percentage Difference between Two Percentages 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. 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.
=(MAX(C5:D5)-MIN(C5:D5))/AVERAGE(C5:D5)

Combining the MAX and MIN Functions to Calculate Positive Percentage Difference between Two Percentages in Excel

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

Drag Fill Handle Below

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

Calculated Positive Percentage Difference between Two Percentages 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.

Dataset to Calulate Percentage Difference between Two Values

📌 Steps:

  • Initially, click on cell E5 and insert the following formula.
=(D5-C5)/C5
  • Subsequently, hit the Enter key.

Formula to Calculate Percentage Difference between Two Values in Excel

  • 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.

Drag Fill Handle Below

As a result, you will get all the percentage differences and the output should look like this.

Calculated Percentage Differences between Two Values 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.

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

Md. Abdullah Al Murad

Md. Abdullah Al Murad

Hello! Welcome to my Profile. Currently, I am working and researching Microsoft Excel, and here I will be posting articles related to this. My last educational degree is BSc, and my program was Computer Science and Engineering from American International University-Bangladesh. I am a Computer Science graduate with a great interest in research and development. Always try to gather knowledge from various sources and try to make innovative solutions.

We will be happy to hear your thoughts

Leave a reply

5 Excel Hacks You Never Knew

Genius tips to help you unlock Excel's hidden features

FREE EMAIL BONUS

ExcelDemy
Logo