What are percentages?
A percentage is one hundredth of a number, denoted by the symbol %. For example, 25% means 25 hundredths, or 0.25. Percentage calculation is one of the most commonly used mathematical operations in everyday life — from discounts to taxes.
How to calculate percentages?
What is X% of Y: Result = Y × (X / 100). For example, 15% of 200 = 200 × 0.15 = 30.
X is what percent of Y: Percentage = (X / Y) × 100. For example, 30 is 15% of 200.
Percentage change: Change = ((New - Old) / Old) × 100. For example, the change from 200 to 250 is +25%.
What is the percentage formula?
The basic percentage formula is: Percentage = (Part / Whole) × 100. This formula lets you find what fraction one number is of another. The inverse formula: Part = Whole × (Percentage / 100) — lets you find a specific percentage of a number.
Percentage calculation examples
Discount: An item costs €50, discount is 20%. Discount amount = 50 × 0.20 = €10. Final price = €40.
Salary change: Salary increased from €1,500 to €1,800. Change = ((1800 – 1500) / 1500) × 100 = 20%.
Exam result: You answered 42 out of 50 questions correctly. Percentage = (42 / 50) × 100 = 84%.
How to convert percentages to decimals?
To convert a percentage to a decimal, divide by 100. For example, 75% = 75 / 100 = 0.75. Conversely, multiply a decimal by 100 to get a percentage: 0.75 × 100 = 75%.
Where are percentages used?
Percentages are used for calculating shop discounts, bank interest rates, taxes (VAT, income tax), statistics, exam scores and many other areas. This calculator will help you quickly perform all percentage calculations.