Rate of Change Calculator - Calculator Academy

Unit Converter

Enter the location of two coordinate points along a line into the calculator to determine the rate of change of that line.

Rate of Change Formula

The following formula is used to calculate a rate of change.

Rate of Change = (y₂ – y₁) / (x₂ – x₁)
y₂ = y coordinate of point 2
y₁ = y coordinate of point 1
x₂ = x coordinate of point 2
x₁ = x coordinate of point 1

Rate of Change Definition

The rate of change of a line is often referred to as the slope, or rise over run. It’s a measure of how quickly a line is changing in the y-direction with every step in the x-direction.

This can also be done using a similar formula, but substituting x and y in the formula. This results in the rate of change of x with respect to y, or run over rise.

How to calculate a rate of change?

First, determine the coordinate points of point 1.
For this example we will say the first point is (1,2).
Next, determine the coordinate points of point 2.
For this example, we will say the second point is (5,10).
Finally, calculate the rate of change.
Using the formula we have the rate of change to be (10-2/5-1) = 8/4 = 2/1.

FAQ

What is a rate of change?

A rate of change is just as it sounds, it’s the amount something is changing per unit of time.

Is a rate of change a slope?

Yes, a slope is another word for the rate of change of y with respect to x.