How this calculator works
The total percentage change compares the endpoints. Compound average growth is the constant per-week rate that links those endpoints. For a single week the two rates are equal. Match the reporting definition, seasonal coverage and currency in both observations. Positive starting values and non-negative ending values keep the growth interpretation consistent.
Formula
Total change = final/initial - 1. Compound average growth = (final/initial)^(1/n) - 1. Final = initial x (1 + growth)^n.
Worked example
A value increasing from 100 to 121 over two weeks rises 21% overall and averages 10% compound growth per week. Falling from 100 to 80 over one week is a 20% decrease.
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Frequently asked questions
What if the starting value is zero?
Percentage change has a zero denominator and is undefined; report the absolute change instead.
Does average growth reproduce each observation?
No. It links the endpoints with a constant rate and can hide large intermediate changes.
Can I enter a negative final value?
This compound-growth model accepts non-negative final values. Crossing zero requires a different interpretation.