Percentage Decrease Calculator – Calculate Percentage Loss
This percentage decrease calculator shows by what **percentage a value has dropped**, from a starting value to an ending value. It is also commonly used as a **percentage loss calculator**, ideal for tracking declines in price, value, performance, or any situation where a number clearly goes down. Use this tool for: - discounts and price reductions - salary or budget cuts - population or membership decline - lower exam scores or ratings - any before‑and‑after decrease between two values Enter the starting value (Vi) and the ending value (Vf) to calculate the percentage loss instantly. If you are calculating a loss on a stock or investment specifically, the stock price percentage change calculator works the same way, with dollar amounts included.Percentage Decrease Formula
To find the percentage decrease, use:
This formula tells you what percentage the value has dropped relative to the starting value.
Examples of Percentage Decrease
Example 1: Price decreaseA jacket's price drops from $250 to $212.50.
(250 − 212.5) / 250 × 100 = 37.5 / 250 × 100 = 15
The price decreased by 15%.
Example 2: Salary cut
An annual salary of $60,000 is reduced to $54,000.
(60000 − 54000) / 60000 × 100 = 6000 / 60000 × 100 = 10
The salary decreased by 10%.
Example 3: Population decline
A city's population falls from 12,000 to 11,400.
(12000 − 11400) / 12000 × 100 = 600 / 12000 × 100 = 5
The population decreased by 5%.
When to Use This Calculator
Use this calculator whenever you know both the starting value and the ending value and want to find the percentage decrease. Common uses include: - discounts and price drops - salary or budget cuts - population or membership decline - year‑over‑year comparisons - any before‑and‑after decrease If you already know the starting value and the percentage you want to subtract, and need the resulting new value, use the reduce a number by percentage calculator or use the “Take percent off” calculator on the homepage.Frequently Asked Questions
What if the ending value is higher than the starting value?Then the value increased rather than decreased — the calculator will show this as an increase so you can see the true direction of the change.
What if the starting value is negative?
See the dedicated percentage change for negative numbers calculator, which handles negative starting values correctly.
Is this the same as percentage difference?
No. Percentage decrease assumes a clear starting point and ending point. If neither value is “before” or “after,” such as two prices from two stores, use the percentage difference calculator instead.
Related tools: percentage increase calculator & full percentage change formula guide.