How to Use the Percentage on a Calculator

Using a calculator to calculate percentages is easy.

The percentage tool on calculators can be helpful in calculating discounts, how much to tip your server at dinner or any percentage calculation you encounter. The percentage tool (%) is an alternative to using decimal points to calculate a percentage, and is usually very user-friendly.

Instructions

1. Key in your first number. For example, if you want to calculate 20% of $100, type in "100."

2. Multiply the percentage of the first number you entered by keying in the multiply button (*), then the percentage number and lastly the percent symbol (%). Using 20% of $100 as the example, you should now how have 100 * 20% keyed into your calculator.

3. Press the (=) sign to complete the calculation. You should have received an answer of 20 for the calculation of 20 percent of 100. Another way to practice is by calculating the tip on a bill. For example, you go to a restaurant and the bill comes to $45. The standard tip is 15 percent, so you should key in 45 * 15% = on your calculator; the answer should be 6.75. Your server should receive a tip of $6.75.

4. Round your calculation to the nearest decimal point if necessary. If your server did an outstanding job and you'd like to give her 18.5 percent instead of 15 percent, you will key in $45 * 18.5% =. Your answer is 8.325, so you will round it to $8.33. Anything 5 and over goes to the next number up, and anything lower than 5 will go the next number down.

References

• How to find a Percentage of a Number