Convert a fold change to a percentage change, turn a percent change back into fold change, or find the fold increase or decrease between two values.

Enter 1 for unchanged, 2 for doubled or 0.5 for halved.

Fold change is final ÷ initial: 2 means doubled (a 100% increase), 0.5 means halved (a 50% decrease).

Display precision
Nonzero tiny values use scientific notation. Ratios near 1 keep extra digits when needed to show a change.

Fold to Percentage Formula

The following formula is used to convert fold change to percentage change:

Percentage Change = (Fold Change - 1) × 100

Variables:

  • % Change is the percentage change
  • Fold Change is the ratio of the final value to the initial value

To calculate the percentage change, subtract one from the fold change and then multiply by 100.

Fold Change to Percentage Change Conversion Table
Fold Change Percentage Change (%)
0.50-50.0
0.67-33.0
0.75-25.0
0.80-20.0
0.90-10.0
0.95-5.0
1.000.0
1.055.0
1.1010.0
1.2020.0
1.2525.0
1.3333.0
1.5050.0
1.7575.0
2.00100.0
2.50150.0
3.00200.0
4.00300.0
5.00400.0
10.00900.0
* Rounded to 1 decimal. Formula: Percentage Change (%) = (Fold Change − 1) × 100. Conversely, Fold Change = (Percentage Change / 100) + 1.

What is Fold Change?

Fold change is final value divided by initial value. This calculator uses a positive initial value and nonnegative final value: ratios above 1 indicate an increase, ratios between 0 and 1 a decrease, and 1 no change. A zero ratio means a zero final value. Multiply the ratio by 100 for the final value as a percentage of the original; subtract 1 first for percentage change. Ratios alone do not establish biological, statistical or investment significance.

How to Calculate Percentage Change from Fold Change?

The following steps outline how to calculate the percentage change from fold change:

  1. First, determine the fold change.
  2. Next, use the formula % Change = (Fold Change – 1) * 100.
  3. Finally, calculate the percentage change.
  4. After inserting the fold change and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem :

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

Fold Change = 1.5

The percentage change would be calculated as follows:

% Change = (1.5 – 1) * 100 = 50%