How to calculate a percentage of a number
Divide the percentage by 100 to convert it to decimal form, then multiply the decimal by the number.
How to find what percentage one number is of another
Divide the first number by the second number and multiply the result by 100.
How to calculate percentage increase or decrease
Subtract the original value from the new value. Divide the difference by the original value, then multiply by 100.
If a price increases from 100 to 125, the increase is 25%. If it drops from 100 to 75, the result is a 25% decrease.
Common percentage examples
Percentages are commonly used for discounts, tax, tips, price changes, grades, statistics, commissions and financial comparisons.
Frequently asked questions
What does percent mean?
Percent means “per hundred.” For example, 25% means 25 out of every 100.
How do I convert a percentage to a decimal?
Divide the percentage by 100. For example, 20% becomes 0.20.
How do I calculate a percentage increase?
Subtract the original value from the new value, divide by the original value, and multiply by 100.
Can percentage change be negative?
Yes. A negative percentage change represents a decrease from the original value.