How do you calculate Price Elasticity of Demand

Price Elasticity of Demand (PED) calculates the responsiveness/sensitivity of the quantity demanded of a good or service to a change in price. 

The calculation for PED is therefore: the percentage change in quantity demanded divided by the percentage change in price.

If the resulting number is between 0 and 1, demand is inelastic, in other words it doesn't respond proportionally to a change in price. Inelastic goods often lack obvious substitute goods. Examples include petrol or salt.

If the resulting number is 1 or above then demand is elastic, in other words it responds more than proportionately to a change in price. Elastic goods often have clear substitutes or are non-essential. For example electronics such as TV's and phones could be described as having an elastic PED.

DO

Related Economics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain why and when government spending leads to inflation


Evaluate the extent to which policies to increase economic growth may conflict with the objectives of other policies (20)


Can you explain the difference between joint demand and competitive demand?


Describe the equilibrium point in the market