Rates need careful language. When a rate rises from 2% to 3%, the direct movement is one percentage point. Relative to the 2% starting rate, the increase is 50%.
Two questions, two answers
Percentage points answer “how far did the rate move?” Relative percentage change answers “how large was the movement compared with the original rate?” Neither answer is automatically better; they describe different things.
Show the starting rate
A claim such as “a 50% increase” sounds large without context. Writing “from 2% to 3%—one percentage point, or 50% relative” lets readers understand the actual numbers.
When zero needs care
A relative percentage change cannot be calculated from a zero starting rate because it requires division by zero. Say that the rate moved from 0% to a new level instead. Try the rate comparison tool.
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