Percentage Calculator
Solve any percentage problem instantly! Calculate percentages, increases, decreases, discounts, tips, and more with step-by-step solutions.
Select Calculation Type
Basic Percentage Calculator
Calculate what percentage one number is of another.
Common Examples
Percentage Calculation
Select a calculation type and enter values to see detailed percentage calculations with step-by-step explanations.
Understanding Percentages: The Foundation of Everyday Math
A percentage is a way of expressing a number as a fraction of 100. The word "percent" comes from the Latin "per centum," meaning "by the hundred." Percentages are used everywhere in daily life - from shopping discounts and restaurant tips to bank interest rates and statistical data.
How to Calculate Percentages: The Core Formula
The Fundamental Percentage Formula:
This simple formula is the basis for all percentage calculations. To find what percentage one number is of another, divide the part by the whole and multiply by 100.
Practical Applications of Percentages
Shopping & Discounts
Calculate sale prices, compare discounts, and determine final prices after markdowns. Essential for smart shopping and budgeting.
Finance & Banking
Calculate interest rates, loan payments, investment returns, and compare financial products. Crucial for personal finance management.
Business & Pricing
Determine profit margins, calculate markups, analyze sales growth, and set competitive prices. Vital for business operations.
Tips & Service
Calculate appropriate tips for restaurants, delivery services, and other service industries. Split bills among friends easily.
Essential Percentage Formulas
| Calculation Type | Formula | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Percentage | Result = (Percent/100) × Value | Finding X% of a number |
| Percentage Increase | New = Original × (1 + Percent/100) | Price hikes, salary raises, growth |
| Percentage Decrease | New = Original × (1 - Percent/100) | Discounts, depreciation, loss |
| Find Percentage | Percent = (Part/Whole) × 100 | Test scores, market share, ratios |
| Percentage Difference | % Diff = |(A-B)/[(A+B)/2]| × 100 | Comparing two values |
Common Percentage Equivalents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I calculate percentage increase?
To calculate a percentage increase: New Value = Original × (1 + Percentage/100). For example, a 20% increase on $100: $100 × (1 + 20/100) = $100 × 1.20 = $120. The increase amount is $20.
What's the difference between percentage points and percent?
Percentage points measure absolute change (e.g., from 10% to 15% is a 5 percentage point increase). Percent change measures relative change (from 10% to 15% is a 50% increase). Our calculator handles both types of calculations correctly.
How do I add or subtract percentages correctly?
Adding percentages: Convert to decimals first. 20% + 30% = 0.20 + 0.30 = 0.50 (50%).
Sequential percentages: Multiply, don't add. A 20% discount then 10% off: $100 × 0.80 × 0.90 = $72 (not $70). Our calculator handles sequential calculations correctly.
What is reverse percentage calculation?
Reverse percentage finds the original value before a percentage change. If you know the final value and percentage change: Original = Final / (1 ± Percentage/100). Example: Final price $88 after 12% discount: Original = $88 / (1 - 0.12) = $100.
How accurate is this percentage calculator?
Our calculator uses precise decimal arithmetic with up to 8 decimal places of accuracy, matching financial and scientific standards. All calculations follow proper mathematical order of operations and handle edge cases correctly (like division by zero).
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