Real GDP growth (quarter on quarter), United Kingdom
Real GDP growth in the United Kingdom was 0.50% in , down 0.10 pp from and up 0.50 pp from a year earlier. Over the latest 12 readings it moved between -0.30% and 0.70%. The next reading is for Q3 2026. Source: ONS, ONS QNA, CDID IHYQ; history from .
Key takeaways
- Real GDP growth at 0.50% in beats 53% of readings since (ONS).
- Against a ten-year average of 0.42%, real GDP growth is above that norm by 0.08 pp (ONS).
- On real GDP growth, the United Kingdom ranks 2nd highest of 3 countries (national publishers).
What this indicator is and why it matters
Real GDP growth, quarter on quarter, is the percent change in the UK's chained volume GDP from the previous quarter, seasonally adjusted, as published by the Office for National Statistics (CDID IHYQ). It is not annualized.
It is the headline measure of UK growth and the figure behind most talk of recession: two consecutive quarters of decline is the usual shorthand. Markets react to it because it shapes expectations for Bank Rate and the public finances, and banks read it as a broad guide to demand for credit and the risk of loan losses.
Keep the scale in mind. UK quarterly growth figures are typically a few tenths of a percentage point, so the difference between a small rise and a small fall can be within the range of later revisions, so a small first-estimate rise can later become a small fall, or the reverse. The figure is quarterly, about a quarter of the annualized rates US releases quote, so cross-country comparisons need the same basis. One-off events, such as strikes, extra public holidays or severe weather, can also shift output between quarters.
Where it sits in history
Real GDP growth is at its lowest since , when it stood at 0.00%. Within ten years, real GDP growth beats 52% of readings.
| Window | Latest is higher than | Average | Highest | Lowest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Since Q1 2006 | 53% of readings | 0.37% | 16.90% | -19.90% |
| Last ten years | 52% of readings | 0.42% | 16.90% | -19.90% |
| Last five years | 55% of readings | 0.73% | 7.00% | -0.30% |
- Real GDP growth (quarter on quarter) 0.5%
Recent readings
Last five years
- Real GDP growth (quarter on quarter) 0.5%
Latest readings
| Period | Value | Change from previous |
|---|---|---|
| 0.50% | -0.10 pp | |
| 0.60% | +0.60 pp | |
| 0.00% | -0.20 pp | |
| 0.20% | +0.20 pp | |
| 0.00% | -0.60 pp | |
| 0.60% | +0.20 pp | |
| 0.40% | +0.20 pp | |
| 0.20% | -0.40 pp |
Annual averages
By calendar-year average, real GDP growth peaked in (2.25%) and bottomed in (-1.10%). 2026 to date: 0.55%, after 0.20% in 2025.
| Year | Average | Low | High | Readings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (part year) | 0.55% | 0.50% | 0.60% | 2 |
| 2025 | 0.20% | 0.00% | 0.60% | 4 |
| 2024 | 0.47% | 0.20% | 0.70% | 4 |
| 2023 | -0.10% | -0.30% | 0.10% | 4 |
| 2022 | 0.48% | 0.10% | 0.90% | 4 |
| 2021 | 2.25% | -1.10% | 7.00% | 4 |
| 2020 | -1.10% | -19.90% | 16.90% | 4 |
| 2019 | 0.37% | 0.20% | 0.60% | 4 |
| 2018 | 0.18% | 0.10% | 0.30% | 4 |
| 2017 | 0.90% | 0.70% | 1.10% | 4 |
| 2016 | 0.55% | 0.40% | 0.70% | 4 |
| 2015 | 0.45% | 0.30% | 0.60% | 4 |
| 2014 | 0.80% | 0.70% | 0.90% | 4 |
| 2013 | 0.65% | 0.40% | 0.80% | 4 |
| 2012 | 0.47% | -0.10% | 1.10% | 4 |
| 2011 | 0.15% | 0.10% | 0.20% | 4 |
| 2010 | 0.70% | 0.10% | 1.20% | 4 |
| 2009 | -0.47% | -2.00% | 0.30% | 4 |
| 2008 | -0.93% | -2.10% | 0.40% | 4 |
| 2007 | 0.93% | 0.80% | 1.10% | 4 |
| 2006 | 0.32% | 0.20% | 0.40% | 4 |
Same measure in other countries
Real GDP growth in the United Kingdom is above 1 of the other 2 comparable readings. Four countries compared.
| Country | Series | Latest | Period | Change on a year earlier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Real GDP growth (quarter on quarter) | 0.50% | +0.50 pp | |
| Canada | Real GDP growth (quarter on quarter, not annualized) | 0.80% | Q2 2026 | +1.00 pp |
| Australia | Real GDP growth (quarter on quarter) | 0.40% | Q2 2026 | -0.40 pp |
How is it measured?
Quarter-on-quarter growth in GDP, chained volume measures, seasonally adjusted, as published by the ONS.
ONS publishes real GDP growth quarterly in ONS QNA, CDID IHYQ, in percent and is seasonally adjusted. Code: IHYQ/QNA. Method for real GDP growth.
Questions
How high is real GDP growth in the United Kingdom now?
0.50% in (ONS), up 0.50 pp on a year earlier.
Is real GDP growth high by historical standards?
Real GDP growth beats 53% of readings since ; its peak was 16.90% (), its low -19.90% ().
When is real GDP growth updated?
Quarterly, in ONS QNA, CDID IHYQ. Next reading: Q3 2026.
Where can I check real GDP growth at the source?
ONS data, code IHYQ/QNA.