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How to calculate percentages

Percentages come up constantly in everyday life. Sales discounts, tax rates, tips, test scores, interest rates, nutrition labels. Once you understand the three basic percentage calculations, you can handle almost any percentage problem you run into.

What is X percent of a number?

To find X percent of a number, multiply the number by X and divide by 100. For example, 20 percent of 150 is 150 times 20 divided by 100, which equals 30. This is the most common type of percentage question and comes up when calculating discounts, tips, and tax.

What percentage is one number of another?

To find what percentage X is of Y, divide X by Y and multiply by 100. For example, 30 is what percent of 150? Divide 30 by 150 to get 0.2, then multiply by 100 to get 20 percent. This is useful for calculating grades, comparing quantities, and tracking progress toward a goal.

How do you calculate percentage increase or decrease?

To calculate percentage change, subtract the original number from the new number, divide by the original number, and multiply by 100. If the result is positive it is an increase, if negative it is a decrease. For example, going from 100 to 125 is a 25 percent increase. Going from 100 to 80 is a 20 percent decrease.

What is 20 percent off?

To find 20 percent off a price, multiply the price by 0.20 to find the discount amount, then subtract it from the original price. So 20 percent off $60 is $60 times 0.20 equals $12 discount, meaning you pay $48. You can also just multiply the original price by 0.80 to get the sale price directly.