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How to calculate actual vs target percentage in Excel and Google Sheets
Topic:PercentagesExcel & Google Sheets
=(B2-A2)/A2*100%✓
Verified example
Computed by a real spreadsheet engine on the sample data below.
| Actual | Target |
| 150 | 200 |
| 250 | 200 |
| 300 | 300 |
=(B2-A2)/A2*100%→0.3333333333
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Step by step
- 1Enter your actual values in one column and target values in another.
- 2In a third column, use the formula to calculate the percentage difference.
- 3Format the result as a percentage for clarity.
Tips
- Ensure your target values are not zero to avoid division by zero errors.
- Adjust cell references in the formula to match your specific data layout.
- Consider formatting the percentage with two decimal places for precision.
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Frequently asked
What if my target value is zero?
If the target value is zero, the formula will return a #DIV/0! error. You may need to handle this case separately in your calculations.
Can I format the result as a percentage?
Yes, you can format the result as a percentage by selecting the cell, right-clicking, choosing 'Format Cells', and then selecting 'Percentage'.
Do the formulas differ between Excel and Google Sheets?
No, the formulas for calculating actual vs target percentage are identical in both Excel and Google Sheets.
More on Percentages
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