# Difference between relative growth and absolute growth?

Dear student,

Absolute growth rate and relative growth rate are two ways of measuring and comparing the growth of living organisms.

Absolute growth rate is defined as growth per unit time (growth rate). It is obtained by dividing  total growth in given period of time by that period of  time.

Relative growth rate is defined as growth in unit time per unit initial parameters. It is obtained by dividing growth in given time by initial growth.

Let us consider this with an example,Two leaves A and B has grown by $5c{m}^{2}$ in one day.Initial size of Leaf A is $10c{m}^{2}$ while that of B is $15c{m}^{2}$,Now we shall  understand the absolute and relative growth:-
The two leaves (A and B) have same absolute growth rates because both have same growth rate which is 5 cm2 in one day.

The two leaves have different relative growth rates because both have different initial growth which is 10 cm2 for Leaf A and 15 cm2for leaf B

Hope this information will clear your doubts about topic.

If you have any more doubts just ask here on the forum and our experts will try to help you out as soon as possible.

Regards

• 1
What are you looking for?