A basis point represents one-hundredth of one percent (0.01%). Financial professionals frequently employ it to denote changes in interest rates, yields, or other financial percentages. Excel, a widely-used spreadsheet program, provides tools to perform these calculations efficiently, enabling users to determine percentage differences in a standardized and easily interpretable format. For instance, a movement from 5.00% to 5.50% is often described as a 50 basis point increase.
Employing this standardized unit simplifies communication and comparison across various financial instruments. It circumvents ambiguity that might arise from simply stating percentage differences. It is particularly useful when dealing with small changes in rates, as it provides a more granular level of precision. Its widespread adoption facilitates clear understanding in financial analysis, trading, and risk management.