URLTO GUIDE
Calculate discounts, percentage changes and percentage points
A 20% discount can prompt two questions: how much is saved and how much is paid. Choose the calculation mode and define the base first.
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1. Match the mode to the question
The numbers are illustrative. Discount mode returns the final price, not the money saved. Use portion mode with the same price and rate, or subtract the final price from the original to find savings.
| Question | Input | Result |
|---|---|---|
| What is 20% of 50,000? | Portion: 50,000 / 20 | 10,000 |
| What is 50,000 after a 20% discount? | Discount: 50,000 / 20 | 40,000 |
| What is the change from 100 to 125? | Change: 100 / 125 | +25% |
2. Percentage change uses the initial value
Percentage change is (new − initial) ÷ initial × 100. Moving from 100 to 125 is a 25% increase; moving from 125 to 100 is a 20% decrease because the base changes. This tool requires a positive initial value in change mode.
3. Distinguish percent from percentage points
A ratio moving from 5% to 6% increases by one percentage point. Its relative increase is (6 − 5) ÷ 5 × 100 = 20%. Name the metric clearly in a report. Entering 5 and 6 in change mode calculates the relative 20% increase.
4. Check comparability before evaluating a campaign
Align periods and units before comparing budgets, prices or clicks. With a zero initial value, report an absolute change such as 0 to 12 instead of an ordinary percentage change. Displayed results can be rounded, and a higher ratio alone does not establish a campaign's cause or profit.