The formula for calculating percentage is: Percentage = (Value ÷ Total Value) × 100
Here, Value = obtained quantity and Total Value = maximum possible quantity. Percentages are used to express numbers as a fraction of 100 for easy comparison.
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?
The word percentage comes from the Latin phrase per centum, meaning “per hundred.” A percentage is a way of expressing a number as a fraction of 100.
For example, if a student scores 75 out of 100, we say they scored 75%. Percentages make it easy to compare proportions across different totals. That’s why they are widely used in exams, shopping discounts, banking, profit & loss, and real-life comparisons.
The formula works by dividing the obtained value by the total and then multiplying by 100 to represent it as a fraction of 100.
Examples of Percentage Formula
Example 1: Student’s Marks
A student scored 360 marks out of 500.
Percentage = (360 ÷ 500) × 100
Percentage = 0.72 × 100 = 72%
So, the student scored 72%.
Example 2: Profit Percentage
A shopkeeper buys a product for ₹800 and sells it for ₹960.
Profit = Selling Price – Cost Price = 960 – 800 = ₹160
Profit % = (Profit ÷ Cost Price) × 100
Profit % = (160 ÷ 800) × 100 = 20%
So, the profit percentage is 20%.
FAQs on Percentage Formula
1. Why do we use percentages in maths?
They make it easier to compare values regardless of their size, such as exam scores or discounts.
2. Can percentages be more than 100%?
Yes. For example, scoring 120 marks out of 100 (extra credit) = 120%.
3. What is the difference between percentage and percentage points?
- Percentage = proportion (e.g., 20% students passed).
- Percentage points = difference between two percentages (e.g., 60% to 70% = +10 percentage points).
4. Where are percentages used in real life?
In exams, profit/loss, discounts, interest rates, fuel efficiency, and health tracking.
5. How to convert decimals into percentages quickly?
Multiply by 100 and add “%”. Example: 0.25 → 25%, 1.5 → 150%.