reasonably possible that such matters will be resolved in the next twelve months , but we do not anticipate that the resolution of these matters would result in any material impact on our results of operations or financial position . foreign jurisdictions have statutes of limitations generally ranging from 3 to 5 years . years still open to examination by foreign tax authorities in major jurisdictions include australia ( 2003 onward ) , canada ( 2002 onward ) , france ( 2006 onward ) , germany ( 2005 onward ) , italy ( 2005 onward ) , japan ( 2002 onward ) , puerto rico ( 2005 onward ) , singapore ( 2003 onward ) , switzerland ( 2006 onward ) and the united kingdom ( 2006 onward ) . our tax returns are currently under examination in various foreign jurisdictions . the most significant foreign tax jurisdiction under examination is the united kingdom . it is reasonably possible that such audits will be resolved in the next twelve months , but we do not anticipate that the resolution of these audits would result in any material impact on our results of operations or financial position . 13 . capital stock and earnings per share we are authorized to issue 250 million shares of preferred stock , none of which were issued or outstanding as of december 31 , 2008 . the numerator for both basic and diluted earnings per share is net earnings available to common stockholders . the denominator for basic earnings per share is the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period . the denominator for diluted earnings per share is weighted average shares outstanding adjusted for the effect of dilutive stock options and other equity awards . the following is a reconciliation of weighted average shares for the basic and diluted share computations for the years ending december 31 ( in millions ) : .

2008: weighted average shares outstanding for basic net earnings per share: 227.3
effect of dilutive stock options and other equity awards: 1
weighted average shares outstanding for diluted net earnings per share: 228.3
2007: weighted average shares outstanding for basic net earnings per share: 235.5
effect of dilutive stock options and other equity awards: 2
weighted average shares outstanding for diluted net earnings per share: 237.5
2006: weighted average shares outstanding for basic net earnings per share: 243
effect of dilutive stock options and other equity awards: 2.4
weighted average shares outstanding for diluted net earnings per share: 245.4

weighted average shares outstanding for basic net earnings per share 227.3 235.5 243.0 effect of dilutive stock options and other equity awards 1.0 2.0 2.4 weighted average shares outstanding for diluted net earnings per share 228.3 237.5 245.4 for the year ended december 31 , 2008 , an average of 11.2 million options to purchase shares of common stock were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share as the exercise prices of these options were greater than the average market price of the common stock . for the years ended december 31 , 2007 and 2006 , an average of 3.1 million and 7.6 million options , respectively , were not included . during 2008 , we repurchased approximately 10.8 million shares of our common stock at an average price of $ 68.72 per share for a total cash outlay of $ 737.0 million , including commissions . in april 2008 , we announced that our board of directors authorized a $ 1.25 billion share repurchase program which expires december 31 , 2009 . approximately $ 1.13 billion remains authorized under this plan . 14 . segment data we design , develop , manufacture and market orthopaedic and dental reconstructive implants , spinal implants , trauma products and related surgical products which include surgical supplies and instruments designed to aid in orthopaedic surgical procedures and post-operation rehabilitation . we also provide other healthcare-related services . revenue related to these services currently represents less than 1 percent of our total net sales . we manage operations through three major geographic segments 2013 the americas , which is comprised principally of the united states and includes other north , central and south american markets ; europe , which is comprised principally of europe and includes the middle east and africa ; and asia pacific , which is comprised primarily of japan and includes other asian and pacific markets . this structure is the basis for our reportable segment information discussed below . management evaluates operating segment performance based upon segment operating profit exclusive of operating expenses pertaining to global operations and corporate expenses , share-based compensation expense , settlement , certain claims , acquisition , integration and other expenses , inventory step-up , in-process research and development write-offs and intangible asset amortization expense . global operations include research , development engineering , medical education , brand management , corporate legal , finance , and human resource functions , and u.s . and puerto rico-based manufacturing operations and logistics . intercompany transactions have been eliminated from segment operating profit . management reviews accounts receivable , inventory , property , plant and equipment , goodwill and intangible assets by reportable segment exclusive of u.s and puerto rico-based manufacturing operations and logistics and corporate assets . z i m m e r h o l d i n g s , i n c . 2 0 0 8 f o r m 1 0 - k a n n u a l r e p o r t notes to consolidated financial statements ( continued ) %%transmsg*** transmitting job : c48761 pcn : 058000000 ***%%pcmsg|58 |00011|yes|no|02/24/2009 19:25|0|0|page is valid , no graphics -- color : d| .

Questions:
what was the weighted average shares outstanding for diluted net earnings per share in 2008?
and in 2007?
so what was the difference between these two years?
and the percentage change?

Answers:
228.3
237.5
-9.2
-4%