Money & Finance
Percentage Calculator
Percentages describe a portion of a whole, scaled to 100. They show up everywhere — sales tax, tips, discounts, grades, statistics — because they let you compare quantities of very different sizes on the same scale.
The formula
To find a percentage of a number:
result = number × (percentage ÷ 100)
To find what percent one number is of another:
percentage = (part ÷ whole) × 100
Worked example
Say a $240 jacket is on sale for 15% off. The discount amount is:
240 × (15 ÷ 100) = 36
So you'd save $36, bringing the price to $204.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate a percentage of a number?
Multiply the number by the percentage, then divide by 100. For 15% of 240, that's 240 × 15 ÷ 100 = 36.
How do I find what percent one number is of another?
Divide the part by the whole, then multiply by 100. For example, 36 is what percent of 240? 36 ÷ 240 × 100 = 15%.
Can percentages be negative or over 100?
Yes. A percentage over 100 just means the amount is larger than the base value and negative percentages represent a decrease.