Percentage Calculator
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Percentage Change
Understanding Percentages
A percentage is a way to express a number as a fraction of 100. It is denoted using the percent sign (%). For example, 50% means 50 out of 100, or 0.5 as a decimal.
How to Calculate Percentages
To calculate a percentage of a number, you can use the formula:
(Value × Percentage) ÷ 100 = Result
Percentage = (Value ÷ Total) × 100
Common Percentage Calculations
- Finding a percentage of a number: What is 25% of 200? (200 × 25) ÷ 100 = 50
- Percentage increase: If a price increases from $100 to $120, the increase is 20%
- Percentage decrease: If a price decreases from $100 to $80, the decrease is 20%
Real-World Applications
Percentages are used in many everyday situations:
- Calculating discounts during sales
- Determining interest rates on loans
- Calculating tips at restaurants
- Analyzing test scores and grades
- Understanding statistics and data analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a percentage?
A percentage is a way to express a number as a fraction of 100. It is denoted using the percent sign (%). For example, 50% means 50 out of 100, or 0.5 as a decimal.
How do I calculate a percentage of a number?
To calculate a percentage of a number, multiply the number by the percentage and divide by 100. For example, to find 25% of 200: (200 × 25) ÷ 100 = 50.
How do I calculate what percentage one number is of another?
To find what percentage one number is of another, divide the first number by the second number and multiply by 100. For example, to find what percentage 50 is of 200: (50 ÷ 200) × 100 = 25%.
How do I calculate percentage increase or decrease?
To calculate percentage change, subtract the original value from the new value, divide by the original value, and multiply by 100. For example, if a price increases from $100 to $120: ((120 - 100) ÷ 100) × 100 = 20% increase.
What are some common uses of percentages?
Percentages are commonly used for calculating discounts, interest rates, tips, test scores, and analyzing data. They help express proportions and changes in a standardized way.
Can percentages be greater than 100%?
Yes, percentages can be greater than 100%. This indicates that the value is more than the whole. For example, if a company's profits increase from $100 to $250, that's a 150% increase.