How to Calculate Percentages

Introduction

Calculating percentages is a skill that is useful in many aspects of life, from calculating discounts while shopping to understanding data in reports. In this article, we will break down the process of calculating percentages into simple steps.

Step 1: Understand the Basics

Before diving into calculations, it’s essential to know that a percentage is a fraction of 100. For example, 25% is the same as 25 out of 100.

Step 2: Calculate a Percentage of a Number

To calculate a percentage of a number, simply multiply the number by the percentage. For instance, to find 20% of 80, you would multiply 80 by 0.20 to get 16.

Step 3: Increase or Decrease by a Percentage

To increase a number by a percentage, add the percentage of the original number to the original number. To decrease a number, subtract the percentage of the original number from the original number.

Step 4: Calculate the Percentage Change

To find the percentage change between two numbers, subtract the old number from the new number. Then, divide that result by the old number and multiply by 100 to get the percentage change.

Step 5: Practice, Practice, Practice

Like any skill, calculating percentages takes practice. The more you work with percentages, the more comfortable you will become with the calculations.

By following these steps and practicing regularly, you can become proficient in calculating percentages in no time. Remember, percentages are everywhere, so mastering this skill can be incredibly beneficial in various situations.