How to Calculate a Percent of a Whole Number With a Decimal

You may encounter situations in which you will need to know the fraction of a whole number in a decimal form. An example of this is in knowing how much to tip at a restaurant. Another instance in which you would need this skill is when you're browsing through goods that are on sale for a certain percentage and you want to know the actual discounted price.

Things You'll Need

• Calculator

Instructions

1. Convert the percentage into a fraction by placing the number in the percentage over 100. For instance, if you want to know how much 60 percent of some whole number is, convert 60 percent to 60/100.

2. Divide the upper portion of the fraction (the numerator) by the bottom portion of the fraction (the denominator). For example, 60 divided by 100 is 0.60.

3. Multiply the answer from step two by the whole number involved. For instance, if a computer was priced at $1,000, but it is now 60 percent off, perform the following equation:
   1,000 x 0.60 = 600

   Therefore, the discount would equal 600 dollars.

Tips & Warnings

• In terms of figuring discounts when dealing with fractions and decimals, be sure to subtract the total discount from the original price in order to find the new price.

References

• Math is Fun: Convert Percent to Decimal