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How to Calculate an X-Fold Difference

For small differences in numerical values, percentages are important means of differentiation and comparison. For example, if the price of eggs increases from $1.00 per dozen to $1.20 at the supermarket, you can say the eggs experienced a 20 percent increase in price. If the price increases from $1.00 per dozen to $3.00 per dozen, you could simply say that the price increased by 200 percent. Alternatively, you can think of increases in price and other values that are multiples of 100 percent in terms of the "fold" they increase.

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Instructions

- 1
  Calculate the net change in value. For example, if 25 customers visit Mr. Smith's General Store on Monday, but 100 customers visit on Thursday, he has seen a net increase of 75 customers over that time period.
- 2
  Determine what percentage increase a gain in price or value constitutes. Divide the increase in value by the given initial value. In the case of Mr. Smith's general store, divide 75 by 25 to get 3, then multiple 3 by 100 to find that he has seen an increase of 300 percent.
- 3
  Translate percent increases to "fold" at the rate of 100 percent per fold. For example, since Mr. Smith's Grocery Store has seen a 300 percent increase in customers between Monday and Thursday, you can also say that his customer count has increased three-fold.

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