How to Find a Percentage of 2 Numbers

The percentage of two numbers can be done with many different methods, depending on the numbers and what information is required. Some of these include the percentage of the lower number to the higher number, the higher number to the lower number, the increase of the lower number to the higher number, or the decrease of the higher number to the lower number. This "how to" will show all four of the percentages.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Pencil

Percentage of Higher Number

1. Find the percent of one number to another. Use 50 and 35 for this example.

2. Take the number which is to be the percentage of the other and make it the numerator of a fraction (35).

3. Take the other number and make it the denominator of a fraction (50).

4. Divide the first number (Step 2) by the second number (35 / 50 = 0.70).

5. Multiply by 100 to find the percentage of one number to to the other (0.70 x 100 = 70%, 35 is 70% of 50).

Percentage of Lower Number

1. Find the percent of one number to another. Use 35 and 50 again.

2. Take the higher number and make it the numerator of a fraction (50).

3. Take the other number and make it the denominator of a fraction (35).

4. Divide the first number by the second number (50 / 35 = 1.4285).

5. Round up to two decimal points, if necessary (1.4285 = 1.43).

6. Multiply by 100 to find the percentage of one number to to the other (1.43 x 100 = 143%, 50 is 143% of 35).

Percent Increase from Lower to Higher Number

1. Decide which numbers to use and if a decrease or increase is sought (in this case, it is an increase; 35 to 50).

2. Subtract the lower number from the higher number. Always subtract the lower number because a negative number is not wanted (50-35 = 15).

3. Divide by the lower number (15 / 35 = 0.4285).

4. Round up (0.42857 = .43).

5. Multiply by 100 to get the percentage (.43 x 100 = 43%; 50 is a 43% increase over 35).

Percent Decrease from Higher to Lower Number

1. Decide which numbers to use and if a decrease or increase is sought (in this case, it is a decrease; 50 to 35).

2. Subtract the lower number from the higher number. Always subtract the lower number because a negative number is not wanted (50-35 = 15).

3. Divide by the lower number (15 / 50 = 0.30).

4. Multiply by 100 to get the percentage (.30 x 100 = 30%; 35 is a 30% decrease of 50).

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish