Writing · Free lesson
IELTS chart writing: percent or percentage points?
In this invented campus dataset, the share of students cycling to class is 20% in 2024 and 30% in 2025. Both numbers are percentages, so the label after the difference matters.
Professor Scott MendozaThe short answer
From 20% to 30% is an increase of 10 percentage points. Relative to the original 20%, it is a 50% increase: 10 ÷ 20 × 100. It is not a 10% relative increase. You can also simply write “rose from 20% to 30%.”
Subtract for points; compare with the starting value for percent change.
The point difference is 30 − 20 = 10. The relative increase compares that difference with the starting value: 10 is half of 20, or 50%. Use percentage points for the first calculation and percent for the second. Do not confuse a rise to 30% with a rise by 30%.
One change, two accurate descriptions
Cycling share: 2024 = 20%; 2025 = 30%.
The share rose by 10 percentage points.
The share increased by 50% relative to its 2024 level.
The share increased; the data does not supply total student numbers. Do not turn this into a claim about how many individual students started cycling.
Check before choosing the wording
Subtract the displayed rates
30 − 20 = 10 percentage points
Or state both endpoints
The share rose from 20% in 2024 to 30% in 2025.
Try it now
Keep the kind of change clear
Read all answers and explanations
A rate rises from 20% to 30%. Choose the correct point difference.
It rose by 10 percentage points.30 minus 20 is 10. The 50% figure is relative growth, not a point difference.
What is the relative increase from 20% to 30%?
The relative increase is 50%.The increase of 10 divided by the starting value of 20 is 0.5, or 50%. Use the starting value as the denominator.
Which sentence accurately states both endpoints without an extra calculation?
The share rose from 20% to 30%.From 20% to 30% preserves direction and values. By 20% would claim a different relative change.
Put it into practice
Repair the change label
The rate rose from 20% to 30%. Keep the number 10, but fix its label.
The share rose by 10%.
See a model answer
The share rose by 10 percentage points.
A rise of 10% relative to 20% would reach 22%, not 30%.
A little more clarity
Common questions
A few useful details before you move on.
Can I avoid the calculation?
Yes. Give the starting and ending rates with from and to when that is clear and relevant.
The rate fell from 40% to 35%.
What if the starting value is zero?
Do not divide by zero to report a relative increase. State the endpoints or the percentage-point difference.
The share rose from 0% to 5%, an increase of 5 percentage points.
Take it into your day
20% to 30% means 10 percentage points, or a 50% relative increase.
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