Numerical Reasoning
Percentage Change
Calculate percentage increase or decrease between two values from data tables.
Overview
Percentage change questions present tables with two data points and ask you to calculate how much a value increased or decreased as a percentage. The formula is always (New - Old) / Old × 100.
EPSO typically uses Eurostat-style tables with GDP, trade, population, or budget data across EU member states.
What is tested
- Identifying base and comparison values from tables
- Applying the percentage change formula correctly
- Distinguishing increase from decrease
- Handling negative changes and interpreting their meaning
Preparation tips
- Always divide by the ORIGINAL (earlier) value, never the new one
- If the question says "by what percentage did X change from 2020 to 2024", 2020 is your denominator
- Watch for distractors that swap numerator and denominator
- Estimate before calculating — if GDP went from 200 to 250, the answer is around 25%, not 20%
Master the mathematical foundations
Every numerical reasoning question tests 2-4 mathematical concepts. Weakness in one concept means failure on every question that uses it. Review the concept library to build a solid foundation.
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