Index numbers

Index numbers

Index numbers

Economists frequently use index numbers when making comparisons over time. An index starts in a given year, the base year, at an index number of 100. In subsequent years, percentage increases push the index number above 100, and percentage decreases push the figure below 100. An index number of 102 means a 2% rise from the base year, and an index number of 98 means a 2% fall.

Using an index makes quick comparisons easy. For example, when comparing house prices from the base year of 2012, an index number of 110 in 2013 indicates an increase in house prices of 10% in 2013.

House price index

Year Average house price (£000) % change Index number
2012 200 Base year 100
2013 220 10 110
2014 230 15 115
2015 210 5 105
2016 195 -2.43 97.57

An index number of 97.57 in 2016 means that during 2016 house prices fell by 2.43% from the base year of 2012.