A percentage says how one amount relates to another. Without the denominator, the reader may not know whether the figure describes all visitors, completed tasks, or a selected subset.
Write the group beside the percentage and check whether that group changed between comparisons. A rising share can happen while the underlying count falls if the total falls more. Counts and proportions answer related but different questions.
When comparing percentages, distinguish a change in percentage points from a relative percentage change. State the starting value and the method of comparison. A clear denominator gives a small number enough context to carry an accurate explanation.
Bring the idea into a day.
A reading statistic could describe returning visitors or all visitors. Naming the group counted underneath the percentage gives the result a clearer meaning.
Another angle on the story.
Treat an unexpected value as the start of an investigation. Its source and context matter before you decide whether to remove it or build a story around it.
- Name the group behind the percentage.
- Compare counts as well as shares.
- Distinguish percentage points from relative change.
Follow a related question
Ask which situations the examples cover.
Examples shape the model’s taskGive the note a descriptive title.
Notes you can find againKeep learning
Related background to continue exploring this subject.
NIST: statistical engineering NIST: the International System of Units
