Percentage Calculator
Calculate percentages, percentage increase, decrease and difference. Our percentage calculator handles the three most common percentage problems in seconds.
How to Use This Calculator
- Select the type of percentage problem you want to solve using the tabs above.
- Tab 1 (X% of Y): Enter the percentage and the total number to find that percentage of the number.
- Tab 2 (X is what % of Y): Enter two numbers to find what percent the first is of the second.
- Tab 3 (% Change): Enter the original and new values to calculate the percentage increase or decrease.
- Click Calculate to see the result instantly.
Formulas
X is what % of Y = (X / Y) × 100%
% Change = ((New − Old) / Old) × 100%
These three formulas cover the vast majority of percentage calculations used in everyday life, from shopping discounts to statistical analysis.
Examples
Shopping Discount
A $80 jacket is 25% off. What is the sale price? 25% of 80 = (25/100) × 80 = $20 discount. You pay $60.
Test Score
You scored 45 out of 60 on a test. What percentage is that? 45/60 × 100 = 75%.
Salary Increase
Your salary went from $50,000 to $55,000. % Change = (55000 − 50000) / 50000 × 100 = +10%.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate a discount?
Multiply the original price by the discount percentage divided by 100. For a 30% discount on $50: 50 × (30/100) = $15 off, so you pay $35.
What does a negative percentage change mean?
A negative result indicates a decrease. For example, going from 200 to 150 gives (150−200)/200 × 100 = −25%, meaning a 25% decrease.
Can I chain percentage calculations?
Yes, but be careful. A 50% increase followed by a 50% decrease does not return to the original value. The order of operations matters.
How is this different from a fraction?
A percentage is simply a fraction with a denominator of 100. 25% = 25/100 = 1/4 = 0.25.