1. What is Percentage Difference?

The percentage difference measures the relative difference between two values as a percentage of their average. Unlike percentage change which compares to an original value, percentage difference compares two values neither of which is necessarily a reference.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the percentage difference formula:

Where:

• \( V_1 \) — First value
• \( V_2 \) — Second value
• \( |V_1 - V_2| \) — Absolute difference between the values
• \( \frac{V_1 + V_2}{2} \) — Average of the two values

Explanation: The formula calculates how much two numbers differ relative to their average size, expressed as a percentage.

3. When to Use Percentage Difference

Details: Percentage difference is useful when comparing two experimental values, two measurements, or any two quantities where neither is clearly a reference or "original" value.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter any two numerical values (positive or negative). The calculator will compute the percentage difference between them. Both values cannot be zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

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: A 0% difference means the two values are identical.

Q4: What's the maximum possible percentage difference?
A: When comparing any number with zero, the percentage difference approaches 200%.

Q5: When shouldn't I use percentage difference?
A: When you have a clear reference value, percentage change might be more appropriate.