What a percentage means
"Percent" means "per hundred". 25% is 25 out of every 100, which is the same as the fraction 25/100 or the decimal 0.25. Converting between these forms is the key to every percentage calculation: divide by 100 to turn a percent into a decimal, multiply by 100 to go back.
The three percentage formulas
| Question | Formula | Example |
|---|---|---|
| What is P% of X? | P ÷ 100 × X | 15% of 80 = 12 |
| A is what % of B? | A ÷ B × 100 | 18 of 24 = 75% |
| X plus P% | X × (1 + P ÷ 100) | 50 + 8% = 54 |
Everyday examples
- Tips: 18% of a $64 bill is 0.18 × 64 = $11.52.
- Test scores: 42 correct out of 50 is 42 ÷ 50 × 100 = 84%.
- Sale prices: 30% off $120 is 120 × 0.70 = $84. Use the discount calculator for more detail.
- Price increases: a $1,500 rent going up 4% becomes 1,500 × 1.04 = $1,560.
Mental math shortcuts
- 10% is the number with the decimal point moved one place left: 10% of 340 is 34.
- 5% is half of 10%, and 20% is double 10%.
- 1% moves the decimal two places: 1% of 340 is 3.4.
- Swap the numbers when it helps: 8% of 25 is the same as 25% of 8, which is 2.
Comparing an old and new value? The percent change calculator shows increases and decreases.
Last reviewed October 2026.