Absolute Increase Computation Framework
Core Formula
- Percent Increase = (New − Original) ÷ Original × 100
- New = Original × (1 + r)
- Original = New ÷ (1 + r)
Interpretation Aids
- Doubling ⇒ +100%
- Tripling ⇒ +200%
- Near-zero baselines: tiny absolute change → huge % (flag context)
Quality Guardrails
- Validate the baseline (rebased series? adjustments?)
- Don’t average sequential % increases—use growth factors
- Always state units/currency for both values
Heuristics
- +10% ≈ ×1.10 mentally
- Small r over short horizon (r < 5%) → cumulative ≈ n·r
- Chain: Original × Π(1+ri) − Original
FAQ
- Over 100%? New exceeds original by more than its size.
- Negative allowed? Use decrease formula counterpart.
- Rounding? Keep ≥2 decimals internal; round final display.
Action Tip: Convert sequential % changes to factors, multiply chain, reconvert to %—prevents compounding distortion.