1. What is a Percentage Difference Calculator?

Definition: This calculator measures the relative difference between two values as a percentage of their average.

Purpose: It helps compare two values to understand how much they differ relative to their average, useful in scientific, financial, and statistical analysis.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( A \) — First value
• \( B \) — Second value
• The result is expressed as a percentage

Explanation: The absolute difference between values is divided by their average, then multiplied by 100 to get a percentage.

3. Importance of Percentage Difference

Details: This calculation is useful when comparing two values where neither is clearly a "reference" or "correct" value, unlike percentage change which compares to an original value.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter any two numerical values (positive or negative). The calculator will show their percentage difference.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How is this different from percentage change?
A: Percentage change compares to an original value, while percentage difference compares two values symmetrically.

Q2: What does the result mean?
A: A 0% means identical values, higher percentages indicate greater relative difference.

Q3: Can I compare negative numbers?
A: Yes, the calculator works with both positive and negative values.

Q4: When is this calculation most useful?
A: When comparing experimental results, financial metrics, or any two values where neither is a clear reference.

Q5: What's the maximum possible percentage difference?
A: When one value approaches zero, the percentage difference approaches 200%.