Perspective:

On the original Black Monday in October 1987, the Dow lost 508 points in one day, or nearly 23% of its value. Today, a percent decline of this magnitude would be about 2,518 points.

 

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/perspective-dows-record-point-decline/story.aspx?guid={6C15A4EB-2595-4294-8643-B052D17B3E72}&dist=msr_1