Percentage change in EPSO numerical reasoning
The most common calculation in the EPSO numerical test: by how much did a value rise or fall, in per cent. The arithmetic is one subtraction and one division. Marks are lost on the base you divide by and on the cells you pick.
6,977 answers, last 60 days · The test gives you 2 minutes per question (10 questions in 20 minutes).
How to recognise it
- By what percentage did X change between 2018 and 2022?
- What was the percentage increase (or decrease) in X?
- By how much, in per cent, does A exceed B? (the base is then B)
The method
- Find the starting value: the earlier year, or the value that comes after "than" or "compared with".
- Subtract: new value minus starting value.
- Divide the difference by the starting value and multiply by 100.
- Check the sign: a fall gives a negative change.
Worked example
A question from our bank, in EPSO format.
| 15–24 years | 25–49 years | 50 and over | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (%) | 76% | 84% | 80% |
| Part-time (%) | 24% | 16% | 20% |
| Total workers 2018 (thousands) | 2,050 | 16,848 | 6,787 |
| Total workers 2022 (thousands) | 2,240 | 17,520 | 7,430 |
Between 2018 and 2022, by what percentage did the number of full-time workers aged 15–24 change?
Choose an answer to see the solution.
The traps
Dividing by the new value
In the example, 190 ÷ 2,240 gives 8.5%, close enough to 9.3% to look right. EPSO almost always puts this option among the five.
The neighbouring column or year
Tables carry three to five columns and the answer for the column next to the right one is often an option. Put the cursor on the row and the column before calculating.
Percentage points versus per cent
A rate that goes from 10% to 12% rises by 2 percentage points, but by 20%. Read which of the two the question asks for.
Computing a share that cancels out
When the same share or rate applies to both years, it does not change the percentage change. Skipping it saves a step and a rounding error.
With the EPSO calculator
Type new ÷ old, then read the change from the result: 2,240 ÷ 2,050 = 1.0927, so +9.3%. A result of 0.95 means −5%. One operation instead of two, and no sign error.
Practise this calculation
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Frequently asked questions
Which value is the base of a percentage change in EPSO tests?
The starting value: the earlier year, or the value after "than" or "compared with". Dividing by the final value is the most frequent wrong option.
Is a percentage change the same as a change in percentage points?
No. From 10% to 12% is +2 percentage points and +20%. EPSO options often include both numbers.