GDP Per Capita Growth Rate Calculator
Understanding GDP Per Capita Growth Rate
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita is a key economic indicator that represents the total economic output of a country divided by its total population. It's a measure of the average economic productivity per person and is often used as a proxy for the standard of living in a nation. The GDP per capita growth rate, therefore, quantifies how much this average economic output per person has increased or decreased over a specific period, usually a year.
Calculating the GDP per capita growth rate is a straightforward process that helps economists, policymakers, and the public understand the pace of economic development and improvements in living standards. A positive growth rate signifies that the economy is expanding at a faster pace than the population, leading to potentially higher incomes and better quality of life on average. Conversely, a negative growth rate indicates an economic contraction per person, which could signal challenges like recession or population growth outpacing economic output.
How to Calculate GDP Per Capita Growth Rate
The formula used in this calculator is as follows:
GDP Per Capita Growth Rate = ((Current GDP Per Capita – Previous GDP Per Capita) / Previous GDP Per Capita) * 100
To use the calculator:
- Enter the most recent GDP per capita figure in the "Current GDP Per Capita" field.
- Enter the GDP per capita figure from the previous period (e.g., the previous year) in the "Previous GDP Per Capita" field.
- Click "Calculate Growth Rate".
The result will be displayed as a percentage, indicating the period-over-period change in economic output per person.
Example Calculation
Let's say a country's GDP per capita in the previous year was $48,000. In the current year, the GDP per capita has risen to $50,000.
- Current GDP Per Capita = $50,000
- Previous GDP Per Capita = $48,000
Using the formula: ((50,000 – 48,000) / 48,000) * 100 = (2,000 / 48,000) * 100 = 0.041666… * 100 = 4.17% (approximately)
This means the country experienced a GDP per capita growth rate of approximately 4.17% over the period. This positive growth suggests an improvement in average economic prosperity.