Percentage Calculation: Formula, Examples, And Steps

Calculating percentages is an essential part of everyday life, from calculating discounts to determining test scores. Understanding how to calculate percentages can help you make informed decisions and analyze data more effectively. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide on percentage calculation, including the formula, examples, and step-by-step instructions.

What is a Percentage?

A percentage is a way of expressing a fraction or a portion of a whole as a percentage value. The symbol for a percentage is %, and it represents a value out of 100. For example, if you score 80 out of 100 on a test, your percentage score is 80%.

Percentage Formula

The formula for calculating a percentage is:

Percentage = (Part/Whole) x 100%

Where:

Part is the fraction or portion of the whole.
Whole is the entire amount or quantity.

Percentage Calculation Examples

Let’s take a look at some examples to better understand how to calculate percentages.

Example 1

You scored 45 out of 50 on a test. What is your percentage score?

Solution:

Part: 45
Whole: 50

Using the percentage formula:

Percentage = (45/50) x 100% = 90%

Your percentage score is 90%.

Example 2

A store is offering a 25% discount on a $80 shirt. What is the discounted price?

Solution:

Part: 25% (discount)
Whole: $80 (original price)

Using the percentage formula:

Discount = (25/100) x $80 = $20

The discount on the shirt is $20. To find the discounted price:

Discounted price = $80 – $20 = $60

The discounted price of the shirt is $60.

Steps for Calculating Percentages

Calculating percentages involves the following steps:

Step 1: Identify the Part and the Whole

Determine the fraction or portion of the whole that you want to find the percentage of. Identify the whole amount or quantity that the fraction or portion is a part of.

Step 2: Convert the Fraction or Portion to a Decimal

Divide the part by the whole to get the decimal value.

Step 3: Multiply the Decimal by 100%

Multiply the decimal value by 100% to get the percentage value.

Step 4: Round the Percentage Value (Optional)

Round the percentage value to the nearest whole number or to a specified number of decimal places.

FAQs

What is the percentage increase formula?

The formula for calculating percentage increase is:

Percentage increase = [(New value – Old value) / Old value] x 100%

What is the percentage decrease formula?

The formula for calculating percentage decrease is:

Percentage decrease = [(Old value – New value) / Old value] x 100%

How do you calculate percentage change?

To calculate percentage change, use the following formula:

Percentage change = [(New value – Old value) / Old value] x 100%

What is the difference between percentage and percent?

There is no difference between percentage and percent. They are both used to represent a value out of 100.

Why is it important to know how to calculate percentages?

Knowing how to calculate percentages can help you make informed decisions, analyze data, and understand the impact of changes over time. It is a fundamental skill that is used in many areas of life, such as finance, education, and health.