1. What is a Percent Difference Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the percentage difference between two numerical values, showing how much they differ relative to their average.

Purpose: It's commonly used in scientific experiments, data analysis, quality control, and any situation where comparing two values is needed.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( A \) — First value
• \( B \) — Second value
• \( |A - B| \) — Absolute difference between values
• \( \frac{A + B}{2} \) — Average of the two values

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

3. Importance of Percent Difference

Details: Percent difference provides a standardized way to compare two values regardless of their magnitude, making it useful for:

• Comparing experimental results to theoretical values
• Measuring change between two measurements
• Assessing variability in data sets

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between percent difference and percent change?
A: Percent difference compares two arbitrary values, while percent change compares a new value to an original reference value.

Q2: Can I compare negative numbers?
A: Yes, the calculator works with both positive and negative values.

Q3: What does a 0% difference mean?
A: It means the two values are identical (A = B).

Q4: What if both values are zero?
A: The calculation is undefined (division by zero), so the calculator will show no result.

Q5: When is percent difference most useful?
A: When comparing two equally important values with no reference or "correct" value.