How do percentage calculations work?
A percentage of a number is calculated with number × rate / 100. For example, 18% of 1,000 is 180.
To find what percent one number is of another, use part / whole × 100. For percentage change from a positive starting value, use (new − old) / old × 100.
Percent change and percentage points are not the same. If a rate rises from 20% to 25%, that is an increase of 5 percentage points but a relative increase of 25%.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate a percentage of a number?
Multiply the number by the percentage rate and divide by 100. For example, 18% of 1,000 is 1,000 × 18 / 100 = 180.
How do I find what percent one number is of another?
Divide the first number by the second and multiply by 100. For example, 25 is 12.5% of 200. The second number cannot be zero.
How are percentage increases and decreases calculated?
For an increase, multiply the starting value by 1 + rate/100. For a decrease, multiply it by 1 − rate/100. For example, increasing 1,000 by 20% gives 1,200.
How do I calculate percentage change between two values?
For a positive starting value, percentage change is (new − old) / old × 100. Standard percentage change is undefined when the starting value is zero.
Can a percentage decrease exceed 100%?
Mathematically, yes. A 100% decrease reduces a value to zero; a decrease above 100% produces a negative result. The calculator shows that mathematical result as entered.