To apply a raise, multiply the current salary by 1 plus the raise as a decimal: a 5% raise on 50,000 gives 50,000 × 1.05 = 52,500. To find the raise percentage, subtract the old salary from the new one, divide by the old salary and multiply by 100.
Formulas
new salary = salary × (1 + raise % ÷ 100)raise % = (new − old) ÷ old × 100 Examples
- A 3.5% raise on 42,000 is 1,470, for a new salary of 43,470.
- From 2,800 to 3,000 a month is a 7.14% raise.
Common mistakes
- Comparing raises in percent without the base: 10% of 30,000 is less money than 5% of 80,000.
- Ignoring inflation: a 4% raise during 5% inflation is a real pay cut of about 1%.
In Excel and Google Sheets
- Salary in A2, raise % in B2
=A2*(1+B2) - Raise % from old A2 to new B2
=(B2-A2)/A2
FAQ
How much is a 5% raise?
Multiply your salary by 0.05. On 60,000 it is 3,000, for a new salary of 63,000.
Does this include tax?
No. It works on whatever figure you enter, before or after tax, because tax rules differ from place to place.
Is a pay rise the same as a raise or a hike?
Yes. Different countries use different words for the same thing: an increase in pay, usually given as a percentage.
How we calculate: exact decimal math (no rounding errors), you choose the decimal places, and your numbers never leave your browser. Methodology →
Updated October 2026