When comparing two percentages, it’s easy to confuse an **absolute change** (measured in percentage points) with a **relative change** (measured in percent). Although they use similar numbers, they describe completely different things — and they often tell very different stories about the same data.

Example
The XYZ party scored 20% in the previous election and 30% in today’s election. Saying “the XYZ party got 10% more votes” is incorrect. A 10% increase on 20% would only result in 22% (20 × 1.10 = 22).

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Absolute change: percentage points

Percentage points measure the **straight numerical difference** between two percentages.

30 − 20 = 10

In today’s election, the XYZ party gained **10 percentage points** compared to the previous election. This is simply the subtraction of the two percentages — no division, no scaling. Percentage points are ideal for: - election results - interest rates - tax rates - approval ratings - any direct comparison between two percentages

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Relative change: percent

Relative change measures **how large the difference is compared to the original percentage**.

Initial value V: 20 Absolute difference P: 10 Relative change p = P / V = 10 / 20 = 0.5

In today’s election, the XYZ party received **50% more votes** relative to its previous score. This is the **percentage change** between the two values — it answers a different question than percentage points.

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Putting it together

Both statements are correct: - The party gained **10 percentage points**. - The party gained **50% more votes** relative to last time. They simply describe different aspects of the same change: - **Percentage points** → absolute difference - **Percent** → relative difference Understanding the distinction prevents common mistakes, especially in news, finance, and statistics.

For more background, see the explanation on Wikipedia.

Ready to calculate your own numbers? Return to the percentage change calculator.