How to Calculate Percentages

When you get back a test or exam and find your mark is 30 out of 35, it sounds pretty good. But what you really want to know is the percentage. Using basic mathematical principles, you can calculate percentages with a simple formula. It's easy enough to do the calculation with a pencil and paper, but it's even easier if you use a calculator.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil and paper
• Calculator

Instructions

1. Decide what amount you want to represent as a percentage. For example, if 7 people out of a group of 12 are redheads, you might want to know what percentage of the group are redheads. In other words, you would want to know what percentage 7 represents.

2. Determine your total amount. In this case, the total number of people in the group is 12, so your total amount would be 12.

3. Divide the amount you want to represent as a percentage by the total amount. For this example, divide 7 by 12.

4. Multiply the result by 100. This answer is your percentage.