Percentage Calculator
Enter two numbers to find out what percentage the first number is of the second.
Result:
" + "" + numberPart + " is " + percentage.toFixed(2) + "% of " + numberWhole + "."; }Understanding How to Calculate Percentage from Two Numbers
Percentages are a fundamental concept in mathematics, used widely in everyday life, from calculating discounts and interest rates to understanding statistics and data. At its core, a percentage represents a part of a whole, expressed as a fraction of 100.
What is a Percentage?
The word "percentage" comes from the Latin phrase "per centum," meaning "by the hundred." Essentially, a percentage is a way to express a number as a fraction of 100. For example, 50% means 50 out of 100, or 1/2. It's a convenient way to compare quantities or understand proportions.
The Formula for Calculating Percentage
To calculate what percentage one number (the 'part') is of another number (the 'whole'), you use a simple formula:
Percentage = (Part / Whole) × 100
Let's break down the components:
- Part: This is the specific quantity or number you want to express as a percentage.
- Whole: This is the total quantity or the reference number against which the 'part' is being compared.
- × 100: We multiply by 100 because a percentage is "per hundred." If you didn't multiply by 100, you would get a decimal fraction (e.g., 0.25 instead of 25%).
Practical Examples
Let's look at a few real-world scenarios:
Example 1: Test Scores
Imagine you scored 85 marks on a test that was out of a total of 100 marks. To find your percentage score:
- Part = 85
- Whole = 100
- Percentage = (85 / 100) × 100 = 0.85 × 100 = 85%
So, you scored 85% on the test.
Example 2: Discount Calculation
A shirt originally costs $50, and it's on sale for $40. You want to know what percentage of the original price you paid.
- Part = 40 (the amount you paid)
- Whole = 50 (the original price)
- Percentage = (40 / 50) × 100 = 0.8 × 100 = 80%
You paid 80% of the original price. This also means you got a 20% discount (100% – 80%).
Example 3: Population Data
In a town of 5,000 people, 1,200 are under the age of 18. What percentage of the population is under 18?
- Part = 1,200
- Whole = 5,000
- Percentage = (1200 / 5000) × 100 = 0.24 × 100 = 24%
24% of the town's population is under 18.
How to Use the Percentage Calculator
Our easy-to-use calculator above simplifies this process:
- Enter the 'Part': Input the number that represents the portion or specific quantity you are interested in.
- Enter the 'Whole': Input the total amount or the reference number against which the 'part' is being compared.
- Click 'Calculate Percentage': The calculator will instantly display the percentage of the 'part' relative to the 'whole'.
This tool is perfect for quickly checking calculations, understanding proportions, or verifying data in various contexts.