How to Calculate Percentage: Simple Formula with Examples

Percentages are everywhere — discounts, marks, interest, and statistics.

Basic percentage formula

Percentage = (Value / Total) × 100. To find X% of a number, multiply the number by X/100.

Example 1

What is 20% of 250? 250 × 20/100 = 50.

Example 2 — percentage change

Percentage change = ((New – Old) / Old) × 100. From 80 to 100 = ((100-80)/80)×100 = 25% increase.

Common uses

Discounts, tax, tips, exam scores, and growth rates all use percentages.