Percentages are used everywhere in exams, discount calculations, banking, statistics, and everyday comparisons. They help express any value as a fraction of 100, making it easy to understand proportions. The percentage formula is simple, yet powerful, because it converts any ratio into a clear, comparable number. Whether you are calculating marks, profit, interest, or data changes, understanding this formula helps in quick and accurate decision-making.
Percentage Formula Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Formula | Percentage = (Value ÷ Total Value) × 100 |
| Value | The part or obtained quantity |
| Total Value | The whole or maximum possible quantity |
| Meaning | Expresses data per hundred |
| Uses | Marks, discounts, profit/loss, statistics |
What is Percentage in Maths?
A percentage is a way of expressing a number as a part of 100. The word comes from the Latin phrase per centum, which means “per hundred.” This makes percentages one of the most useful and commonly used mathematical tools in real-life calculations.
For example, scoring 75 out of 100 becomes 75%, which instantly tells us how much was achieved compared to the total. Percentages allow us to compare different values even if their totals differ. That’s why they are used everywhere in exams, discount labels, profit/loss calculations, interest rates, and data analysis.
The percentage formula works by dividing the obtained quantity by the total quantity and multiplying the result by 100 to express it per hundred.
Examples to Calculate Percentage
Example 1: Student’s Marks
A student scored 360 marks out of 500.
Percentage = (360 ÷ 500) × 100
Percentage = 0.72 × 100
Percentage = 72%
So, the student scored 72%.
Example 2: Profit Percentage
A shopkeeper buys a product for ₹800 and sells it for ₹960.
Profit = 960 – 800 = ₹160
Profit % = (160 ÷ 800) × 100
Profit % = 0.20 × 100
Profit % = 20%
So, the profit percentage is 20%.
FAQs about Percentage Formula
1. Why do we use percentages in maths?
Percentages make it easier to compare values of different sizes, such as marks, savings, or discount offers.
2. Can percentages be more than 100%?
Yes. For example, 1.5 written as a percentage becomes 150%.
3. What is the difference between percentage and percentage points?
Percentage shows proportion, while percentage points show the difference between two percentages.
4. Where are percentages used in real life?
In exams, discounts, profit/loss, banking, interest rates, and data comparison.
5. How to convert decimals into percentages quickly?
Multiply the decimal by 100 and add the symbol %.
Example: 0.25 → 25%, 1.5 → 150%.