GDP Growth Rate Calculator
Compare a previous and current GDP figure to find the growth rate, the percentage change in an economy's output between two periods.
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Enter the previous and current GDP to see the growth rate.
Worked example
With these example inputs:
- Previous GDP$21,000
- Current GDP$21,630
GDP growth rate: 3.0%
- Change630
Frequently asked questions
How is the GDP growth rate calculated?
It is the change between two GDP figures divided by the earlier figure, shown as a percentage. The same method works for any two periods, quarterly or yearly.
Should I use real or nominal GDP?
Use real GDP to strip out inflation and measure genuine growth in output. Nominal GDP mixes in price changes, which can overstate growth.
What is the GDP growth rate in simple terms?
It is the percentage change in an economy total output between two periods. GDP is the value of all goods and services produced. A positive rate means the economy grew, a negative one means it shrank. It is a quick gauge of economic health.
What is the difference between real and nominal growth?
Nominal growth uses GDP measured at current prices, so it includes inflation. Real growth removes inflation to show the true change in output. A high nominal rate can hide weak real growth. Use real figures when you want the truest picture.
What growth rate signals a recession?
A recession is often defined as two negative quarters of growth in a row. A single negative figure does not always mean a recession. Slowing positive growth can also hint at trouble ahead. Watch the trend over several periods, not just one number.