How to Calculate Percentage Change in Google Sheets
The Google Sheets formula for percentage change is the same one Excel uses, just with a different menu path to format the result. Same formula as Excel, different menu path. Here's the exact formula, how to format the result as a percentage, and how to keep it from breaking on a zero.
The formula is identical to Excel's: =(B1-A1)/A1, formatted as a percentage using the toolbar % button. The most common mistake is multiplying by 100 in the formula and then also applying percent formatting — that doubles the result.
The formula
With the old value in cell A1 and the new value in cell B1, enter this in C1:
=(B1-A1)/A1
Then select the cell and click the % (Format as percent) button in the toolbar, or go to Format > Number > Percent. Google Sheets multiplies by 100 and adds the percent sign for you — don't multiply by 100 manually in the formula, or the formatted result will be off by a factor of 100.
Adjusting decimal places
Use the Increase decimal places / Decrease decimal places buttons in the toolbar, next to the percent button, to control how many digits after the decimal point are shown.
Worked example
| Old value (A1) | New value (B1) | Formula in C1 | Formatted result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11,435 | 18,970 | =(B1-A1)/A1 | 65.9% |
| 3.95 | 3.52 | =(B1-A1)/A1 | −10.9% |
| 100 | 150 | =(B1-A1)/A1 | 50.0% |
Avoiding a divide-by-zero error
If the old value (A1) is 0, the formula divides by zero and Google Sheets returns #DIV/0!, same as Excel. Wrap the formula in IFERROR to handle it gracefully:
=IFERROR((B1-A1)/A1, "N/A")
This returns "N/A" instead of an error whenever the starting value is zero — the IFERROR function works identically in Google Sheets and Excel.
Formula errors like this are common in dashboard and reporting tools too, not just plain spreadsheets — see how a mismatched comparison period causes the same kind of wrong result in year-over-year calculations.
Using Excel instead?
The formula is exactly the same. The only difference is the menu path for formatting the result — see the Percentage Change in Excel guide for the Excel-specific steps.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my result show 6590% instead of 65.9%?
This happens when the cell already holds a decimal fraction and you multiply by 100 in the formula, then also apply percent formatting — which multiplies by 100 again. Use the formula exactly as shown above and let the toolbar % button handle the multiplication.
What if I get a divide-by-zero error?
The old value in A1 is 0. Wrap the formula in IFERROR as shown above to display "N/A" instead of the error.
Is the formula different from Excel's?
No. The formula is identical — only the menu path for formatting the result as a percentage differs between the two applications.
Can I use TO_PERCENT() instead of formatting manually?
Yes. =TO_PERCENT((B1-A1)/A1) is equivalent to entering the plain formula and then clicking Format > Number > Percent — it applies the percentage format directly from the formula itself.
Sources
Related calculators and guides
Calculators
Guides
This guide is provided for general informational purposes. Menu paths refer to the current version of Google Sheets and may differ slightly if Google changes the interface.
Cedrick Reese, Founder
I'm Cedrick Reese, a retired veteran and web developer who built PercentageChangeCalculators.com as part of Ready Utilities, my collection of free, user-friendly online tools. My journey began in the early 2000s with affiliate marketing and niche site development, which grew into a passion for creating practical digital utilities and calculators. After retiring, I earned a Computer Systems Technician certificate from UEI College, completed Electro-Mechanical Technologies at Tulsa Welding School, and finished the Carpentry program at Florida State College at Jacksonville. Today, I combine my technical background and craftsmanship by building furniture using traditional woodworking methods, gardening, and developing helpful online tools for users worldwide.