Grade 6 Math · Topic 40

Percent Increase and Decrease

Percent change measures how much a quantity grows or shrinks compared to its original value. If the new amount is more, it's a percent increase; if less, it's a percent decrease. The pattern is the same in both cases.

Lesson alignment: Extension · 6.RP.A.3.c · Take your time. You can return to this lesson whenever you need it.

Explore visually

Model a percent increase or decrease

Compare the starting amount with the amount after a percent change.

Think first: Predict whether the new amount will be above or below the starting amount.

Ready? Reveal the model and try your prediction

Swipe horizontally to see the full diagram.

Turn on JavaScript to adjust this model. The examples and practice below work without it.

Follow the worked examples

Read each step, then cover the explanation and see if you can explain why it works.

Worked example 1

A book's price went from $20 to $25. Find the percent increase.

Compare the new value to the original. Change: 25 - 20 = 5. Divide by original: 5/20 = 0.25. Convert: 25% increase.

Answer: 25% increase

Worked example 2

A shirt was $40 and is now $30. Find the percent decrease.

Compare the new value to the original. Change: 40 - 30 = 10. 10/40 = 0.25 = 25% decrease.

Answer: 25% decrease

Try a few on your own

Work these on paper first. Open “Check” when you are ready to compare your answer.

  1. $50 → $60
    Check

    20% increase

  2. $80 → $60
    Check

    25% decrease

  3. $25 → $30
    Check

    20% increase

  4. $120 → $90
    Check

    25% decrease

  5. $200 → $250
    Check

    25% increase

  6. $45 → $36
    Check

    20% decrease

  7. $15 → $18
    Check

    20% increase

  8. $100 → $140
    Check

    40% increase

Try this situation 1

Last year, 250 students attended; this year, 300 attended. What is the percent increase?

Show a worked solution

Answer: 20% increase.

Compare the new value to the original. Change: 300 - 250 = 50. 50/250 = 0.20 = 20%.

Try this situation 2

A laptop's price dropped from $800 to $680. What is the percent decrease?

Show a worked solution

Answer: 15% decrease.

Compare the new value to the original. Change: 800 - 680 = 120. 120/800 = 0.15 = 15%.

Fresh questions · saved on this device

Practice this skill

19 question pool

Try a fresh set each time. Answer one question, check your thinking, and read the explanation. If you miss one, return to the visual model and try another round.

Choose a session length

Your practice results stay in this browser and appear in the course progress report.

Check what you learned

Answer these five questions on your own. You can review the explanations after you submit and try again whenever you like. This short check is for practice, not a grade.

1. A company's profit increased from 5000 to 6500. What is the percent increase in profit?

2. A jacket originally costs 50. The store raises the price by 30% before the holiday season. What is the new price?

3. A pizza costs 12. The price increases by 10%. What is the new price?

4. A store has 80 toy cars in stock. The inventory decreases by 15%. How many toy cars are left?

5. A runner's personal best time was 50 seconds. In the next race, his time decreased by 8%. What was his new time?

Practice and finish

Try the linked topic quiz for more practice. If something is tricky, return to the example and look for the step that changes the numbers or representation.

Open the practice quiz

Your checkmark, skill-practice sessions, and best exit-check score are saved on this browser and device. The course page can download a progress report to share with a tutor or teacher.

More Grade 6 resources

Use these free materials if you want another explanation, extra paper practice, or a broader review.

Browse free Grade 6 topic lessons ↗Print Grade 6 worksheets ↗Review Grade 6 flashcards ↗Open the formula review ↗Try the Factors, Multiples & Percents quiz ↗Try a full practice test ↗