Percentage points compare percentages directly
If a pass rate rises from 40% to 50%, the increase is 10 percentage points. Percentage points are found by subtraction: 50 − 40 = 10.
Percent change is relative
For the same move from 40% to 50%, relative percent change is (50 − 40) ÷ 40 × 100 = 25%. The two statements are both correct, but they describe the change differently.
Why the distinction matters
News reports, research summaries and school statistics can sound very different depending on which measure is used. Saying “up 10%” when the change is actually 10 percentage points can understate or overstate the relative movement.
Worked example
Quiz accuracy rises from 80% to 88%. That is an increase of 8 percentage points. Relative to the original 80%, the increase is 10% because 8 ÷ 80 = 0.10.
Quick rule
If the old and new values are already percentages, simple subtraction gives the percentage-point difference. If you are asking how large the change is compared with the starting value, use percent change.
A useful language check
Whenever you write about a change between two percentages, say the sentence both ways before publishing it: “increased by 8 percentage points” and “increased by 10% relative to the starting rate.” If the two values are different, choose the phrase that matches what you actually intend to communicate.
Related resources
Reviewed: October 2026. CurioLift explanations are educational; when a school, instructor or required style guide uses different rules, those rules take priority.