Writing & StyleStyle guide

YoY Meaning in Business Writing

In business and finance writing, YoY means “year-on-year” or “year-over-year.” It is used for comparisons with the same period in the prior year, so the time basis should be clear in surrounding text.

Quick answer

YoY means “year-on-year” or “year-over-year” and compares a value with the corresponding period a year earlier.

Key details

Core IssueYoY abbreviates year-on-year or year-over-year and compares a metric with the same period in the previous year.
Phrase Rolebusiness-comparison shorthand
Registerbusiness, finance, and analytical writing

Important caveats

Usage Boundary

Use YoY for a comparison with the corresponding period one year earlier, not simply any change that happened during a year.

Further guidance

Meaning

YoY expands to year-on-year or year-over-year.

Sources and evidence

Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.

  1. YoY — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · YoY meaning year-on-year/year-over-year and business comparison usage

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