Free tool · Visual Communication
Relative vs Absolute Change, Percent vs Percentage Points: A Number Framer
The same change can be described in ways that lead to different reactions, so state it in more than one form and give the base. A natural frequency states a rate as a count out of a round population (‘2 in every 1,000’) and is understood more easily than a percentage or a probability. Absolute change is the difference in the number (one more in every 1,000). Relative change is the change as a share of the starting figure (a rise of 100 per cent, a doubling). Percentage points are the difference between two percentages (from 0.1% to 0.2% is 0.1 percentage points). A large relative change from a small base can alarm while the absolute change is tiny, and the reverse can falsely reassure, so give both with the base and the period. Percent and percentage points are not the same: 2% to 3% is one percentage point and a 50 per cent rise. When advising, give both frames, so that the reader sees the whole picture, and do not choose a frame to produce a decision.
Tool · Number Framer
1 in every 1,000 became 2 in every 1,000. That is 1 more in every 1,000 (up 100% in relative terms, 0.1 percentage points in absolute terms).
The alarming frame
The rate rose by 100%.
The reassuring frame
The rate rose by 0.1 percentage points, from 0.1% to 0.2%.
The balanced frame
Out of every 1,000 people, 1 were affected before and 2 are affected now: 1 more in every 1,000.
- A large relative change from a small base. ‘Doubled’ is true and can alarm; the absolute change shows how little it moved. State both, and the base.
- ‘Percent’ and ‘percentage points’ are different. A rise from 2% to 3% is a rise of one percentage point and a rise of 50 per cent. Say which you mean.
- Natural frequencies (‘3 in 100’) are understood more easily than percentages or probabilities, including by professionals.
- Always give the base and the time period, and say what is counted. A number without a denominator cannot be judged.
- With very small counts, chance alone can move the figure. Say how many cases there are before drawing a conclusion.
The same change can be described in ways that alarm, reassure or inform. Enter how many people or cases were affected before and after, out of how many, and see the change as a relative percentage, in percentage points and as natural frequencies (‘2 in every 1,000’). The tool shows the framing that each choice creates and suggests the balanced one. Small changes from a small base are where the difference matters most. Invented figures. Runs in your browser; nothing is stored or sent.
How to use it
- Enter the number affected before, the number affected after, and the population they are counted out of.
- Read the natural-frequency statement and the three framings: alarming, reassuring and balanced.
- Read the notes on small bases, percent versus percentage points and small counts.
- Write the balanced sentence, with the base and the period, that you would use.
Common questions
What is a natural frequency?
A rate stated as a count out of a round population, such as 3 in every 100. People, including professionals, understand these better than percentages or probabilities.
Why can ‘doubled’ mislead?
From a very small base, a doubling can be one more case in every 10,000. Give the absolute change and the base as well as the relative change.
Does the tool decide which frame to use?
No. It shows the framings, and the notes explain the risks of each. The choice, and responsibility for the impression, remains with the person who presents the figures.
Learn the law behind the tool
This tool is part of our Visual Communication course, with lectures, concept maps, flashcards, interactive exercises and a capstone case. Visual Storytelling for Lawyers: Numbers People Can Understand.
More free law tools
General information, simplified, mainly on American law, not legal advice. States and countries differ, and real cases turn on facts that a tool cannot capture.