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Percentage Calculator
Solve all your percentage problems with our easy-to-use calculator. Calculate percentages, percentage changes, and more.
What is X% of Y?
X is what % of Y?
Percentage Change
X is Y% more/less than?
Practical Applications of Percentages
Percentages are a fundamental part of daily decision-making, appearing in everything from financial reports to nutritional labels. Understanding how to calculate and interpret these values helps in making more informed choices in both personal and professional contexts.
A percentage is essentially a way to express a number as a fraction of 100. This standardization allows for quick comparisons between different datasets, regardless of their scale.
💡 Financial Literacy Corner
When comparing investment returns or loan interest rates, always look at the Annual Percentage Yield (APY) vs. the nominal interest rate. A small difference in percentage points can result in significant dollar amounts over several years due to compounding.
Common Percentage Formulas
While our calculator handles the math instantly, knowing the underlying formulas is useful for verification:
- Basic Percentage: (Part / Whole) × 100 = %
- Percentage Change: ((New Value - Old Value) / |Old Value|) × 100
- Reverse Percentage: Final Value / (1 + (% / 100)) = Original Value
⚠️ The "Percentage Drop" Trap
It is a common misconception that a percentage increase followed by the same percentage decrease returns you to the starting point. For example, if a stock price increases by 20% from $100 to $120, a subsequent 20% decrease is calculated from $120, resulting in a drop of $24 ($96 total). You would actually need a 25% increase to recover from a 20% loss.
Percentage Calculation: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I work out a percentage of a total?
To calculate a specific percentage of a total value, convert the percentage to a decimal by dividing by 100, then multiply by the total. For example, to find 15% of $80, calculate $80 × 0.15 = $12. Our "What is X% of Y?" tool automates this process.
What is the fastest way to calculate a percentage change?
The fastest way is to find the difference between the new and old values, divide that difference by the original value, and multiply by 100. This is essential for tracking price fluctuations, portfolio growth, or population changes.
What is the difference between a percentage and a percentage point?
A percentage point is the absolute difference between two percentages. For instance, if an interest rate moves from 5% to 6%, it has increased by 1 percentage point, but it has increased by 20% (1 is 20% of 5).
How do I calculate a reverse percentage?
Reverse percentages are used to find the original value before a percentage change occurred. If a product costs $120 after a 20% markup, the original price is $120 / 1.20 = $100. Use our "X is Y% more/less than what?" tool for these calculations.