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Percent, percentage points and basis points

A move from 5% to 5.5% is 0.5 percentage points, or 50bp. Relative to the original rate, it is a 10% increase.

These are fictional examples. Change the numbers to explore.

Use up to four decimal places. Values range from 0 to 1 billion; rates from -1,000% to 1,000%. The price example needs a positive starting value and rates above -100%, up to 1,000%. Results round to four decimal places.

Reading your example

Difference between rates
+0.5 percentage points
The same difference in bp
+50 bp
Change relative to the old rate
+10 %

5% → 5.5%: +0.5 percentage points and +50bp are the same difference. Relative to the old rate, the change is +10%.

How the comparison works

Subtract the previous rate from the new rate for percentage points. Multiply that difference by 100 for basis points. Divide the difference by the previous rate and multiply by 100 for relative percent change.

  • Percentage points and basis points measure a difference between rates. Relative percent change uses a different unit.
  • Relative change is not shown when the starting rate is zero or negative. The point and basis-point differences remain available.
  • Check both the unit and the rates being compared in the original report.

Official explanation checked

Reserve Bank of Australia: statistical glossary ↗

Concept source checked · Our examples and explanations are editorial.

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