Calculate the percentage change in a stock price from the initial and final price per share, or find a price from a percent gain or loss.

Compare initial and final prices per share.

Use the same currency and split-adjusted basis for both prices.

Optional shares and cash dividends
Optional. Adds position value and total gain or loss; blank skips them.

Blank means 0. Leave blank if your prices already include dividend adjustments.

Stock Change Percentage Formula

The following equation is used to calculate the Stock Change Percentage.

SCP = (PF - PI) / PI × 100
  • Where SCP is the stock change percentage (%)
  • PF is the final stock price ($)
  • PI is the positive initial stock price ($); use the same currency and stock-split basis for both prices

To calculate the stock price change percentage, subtract the initial price from the final price, divide by the positive initial price, and multiply by 100. This is a holding-period price return, not an annualized return, and excludes dividends, fees and taxes.

When cash dividends per share are entered, return including cash dividends is (final price - initial price + cash dividends per share) / initial price * 100. Do not add dividends to prices already adjusted for dividends. Optional position totals assume a constant share count; blank shares omit these totals, and zero shares produce zero position amounts. A 100% decrease permits a zero final price, but does not identify a unique positive initial price in the reverse solve. The final-price scenarios are illustrations, not forecasts.

What is a Stock Change Percentage?

Definition:

Stock change percentage typically refers to the relative change in a stock’s value from an initial price to a subsequent final price, expressed as a percentage.

How to Calculate Stock Change Percentage?

Example Problem:

The following example outlines the steps and information needed to calculate the Stock Change Percentage.

First, determine the initial price. In this example, the stock was initially priced at $50.00.

Next, determine the final price. The stock price rose to $60.00.

Finally, calculate the stock change percentage using the formula above:

SCP = (PF - PI) / PI * 100

SCP = ($60 - $50) / $50 * 100

SCP = 20% increase

FAQ

How can I use the stock change percentage?

A stock price change percentage compares per-share price movement over a selected period. Comparisons need the same time period and a consistent split basis. Price return alone excludes dividend income, expenses and risk.

What if my calculation yields a negative stock change percentage?

A negative result means the stock’s value has decreased from its initial price, indicating a loss in value over the measured period.

Does a high positive stock change percentage always mean a good investment?

While a high positive change indicates growth, stock performance can be influenced by a range of factors such as market conditions and economic indicators. It’s generally wise to analyze additional metrics—like trading volume, market outlook, and company fundamentals—before making any investment decisions.