How to Calculate the Value of a Given Percentage

You can use a calculator to calculate percentages.

A percent equals the part divided by the whole. So, with percentages you are looking at just part of a value. In order to find the value of a given percentage, you need to know the whole number you are applying the percentage to. This is an important calculation because it occurs when you pay sales tax. It also occurs when paying a bill at a restaurant to know how much of a tip to leave.

Instructions

1. Find your percentage. For example, assume you have 8 percent sales tax.

2. Find your base number. In the example, assume you bought something for $20.

3. Multiply your base number by your percentage. In the example, $20 times 8 percent equals $1.60. If you use a calculator for this calculation, then divide your percentage by 100 first to convert it to a decimal, so 8 percent divided by 100 equals 0.08.

References

• AAA Math: Percentage