Quick answer
How do you calculate a percentage?
To find a percentage, divide the part by the whole and multiply by 100. For example, 432 marks out of 500 is 432 ÷ 500 × 100 = 86.4%. To find X% of a number, multiply the number by X and divide by 100, so 20% of 500 is 100.
- Percent of: value × % ÷ 100
- What percent: part ÷ whole × 100
- Change: (new − old) ÷ old × 100
What are the percentage formulas?
- X% of Y = Y × X ÷ 100. Example: 15% of 2,400 = 360.
- X is what % of Y = X ÷ Y × 100. Example: 45 of 60 = 75%.
- Percentage increase = (new − old) ÷ old × 100. Example: 800 → 1,000 = 25%.
- Percentage decrease = (old − new) ÷ old × 100. Example: 1,000 → 800 = 20%.
- Marks percentage = marks obtained ÷ total marks × 100. Example: 432 / 500 = 86.4%.
How do you use the percentage calculator?
The page has four small calculators, one for each everyday question. Type two numbers into the box that matches yours and the answer updates as you type.
- What is X% of Y? also shows the number with that percentage added and taken away. For 15% of 2,400 you see 360, then 2,760 and 2,040.
- X is what % of Y? compares a part with a whole.
- Percentage increase or decrease shows a plus or minus sign, so you can see the direction at a glance.
- Marks percentage also shows the division your score falls in.
How do you find what percent one number is of another?
Divide the part by the whole and multiply by 100. If you have saved ₹1,250 of a ₹5,000 goal, you are 1,250 ÷ 5,000 × 100 = 25% of the way there.
The order matters. The number you divide by is always the whole, or the starting value for a change. Swap them and you get 400%, which answers a different question.
How is marks percentage turned into a division?
Divide the marks you scored by the total and multiply by 100. A student with 540 out of 600 has 540 ÷ 600 × 100 = 90%, which the calculator labels a distinction. It uses the bands most Indian boards follow:
| Marks percentage | Result |
|---|---|
| 75% and above | Distinction |
| 60% to 74.99% | First division |
| 45% to 59.99% | Second division |
| 33% to 44.99% | Pass |
| Below 33% | Below pass marks |
Rules vary by board and university, so check yours. If your marksheet shows a CGPA instead of marks, convert it first.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate a percentage of a number?
Multiply the number by the percentage and divide by 100. For example, 20% of 500 = 500 × 20 ÷ 100 = 100.
How do I calculate marks percentage?
Divide the marks you obtained by the total marks and multiply by 100. For example, 432 out of 500 = 432 ÷ 500 × 100 = 86.4%.
How do I calculate percentage increase?
Subtract the old value from the new value, divide by the old value and multiply by 100. From 800 to 1,000 is (1,000 − 800) ÷ 800 × 100 = 25% increase.
What percentage of 60 is 45?
45 is 75% of 60, because 45 ÷ 60 × 100 = 75.
What is first division in percentage?
Most Indian boards and universities treat 60% or more as first division, 75% or more as distinction, 45–59% as second division and 33% as the minimum pass mark. Rules vary by board.
How do I calculate percentage decrease?
Subtract the new value from the old value, divide by the old value and multiply by 100. From 1,000 to 800 is (1,000 − 800) ÷ 1,000 × 100 = 20% decrease.
How do I add or subtract a percentage from a number?
Multiply the number by 1 plus or minus the percentage divided by 100. For example, 2,400 plus 15% = 2,400 × 1.15 = 2,760, and 2,400 minus 15% = 2,400 × 0.85 = 2,040.