Percentage Calculator

Four percentage questions cover almost everything people actually need: what is X percent of a number, what percentage is one number of another, what is the percentage change between two numbers, and what number does a known percentage come from. All four are below, each showing the formula it used so you can check the working or reuse it.

Frequently asked questions

How do I calculate a percentage of a number?

Divide the percentage by 100 and multiply by the number. 15% of 240 is 0.15 x 240 = 36.

What is the difference between percentage change and percentage points?

Percentage change is relative to the starting value: going from 4% to 5% is a 25% increase. Percentage points are the absolute gap: the same move is a rise of 1 percentage point. Interest rates and poll results are usually quoted in percentage points.

Why does adding 10% then subtracting 10% not return the original number?

Each percentage is taken from a different base. 100 plus 10% is 110, and 10% of 110 is 11, so you land on 99. To reverse a 10% increase, divide by 1.1 rather than subtracting 10%.

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