I'm trying to finding the difference between two columns of numbers. I need to come up with the percentage difference. For example: 26.74 and 19.33. I used (26.74-19.33)/26.74 and got .28. I was told this number was wrong. Can someone tell me what I'm doing wrong?

thanks,
Joe

It looks right for me (maybe they want to see 28% instead of .28, and that's why they are saying is incorrect - but mathematically is correct.)

That's what I thought, but they said the number itself was incorrect, not the format. Could I be missing something?

Joe

So..ask them what's the correct number ? ..possible they want the percentage compared to the lower number? rather than the higher number?

I've looked at it several ways and can't get my percentage to add to my lower number to match the larger number. I know I'm missing something. Any ideas?

Joe

Try (26.74/19.33)-1 = 38.33%

That works!! Can you tell me how you deduced the answer? I did get 1.38, but never thought of dropping the one. How would you know to drop it? Thanks for figuring it out for me.

Joe

You are welcome. It is 1.38 more than the smaller amount. To get only the increase you subtract 1 or 100% and what is left is the increase.

You have 2 numbers, 26.74 and 19.33 - and the difference = 26.74-19.33 = 7.41

7.41 is 28% of 26.74 and same time is 38% of 19.33

Both calculations are correct, depending the number you refer to.

In other words you need to substract 28% from 26.74 to obtain 19.33 - and you need to add 38% to 19.33 to obtain 26.74