Equal percentage valve characteristics The equal percentage valve plug produces the same percentage change inflow per fixed increment of valve stroke at any location on its characteristic curve. For example, if 30% stem lift produces 5 gpm and a lift increase of 10% to 40% produces 8 gpm or a 60% increase over the previous 5 gpm, then a further stroke of 10% now produces a 60% increase over the previous 8 gpm fora total flow of 12.8 gpm. Comparison of Equal Percentage Change between Lift and Flow