Percentage Guide

How to Calculate a Percentage of a Number

This guide shows the basic method for finding a percentage of a number, explains the formula, and gives practical examples you can reuse.

Step-by-step method

To find a percentage of a number, divide the percentage by 100 and then multiply the result by the number.

  1. Take the percentage value.
  2. Divide it by 100 to turn it into a decimal.
  3. Multiply that decimal by the number you are working with.

Formula: (percentage ÷ 100) × number

Worked examples

Example 1: 20% of 500 = (20 ÷ 100) × 500 = 100.

Example 2: 12.5% of 80 = (12.5 ÷ 100) × 80 = 10.

Example 3: 5% of 240 = (5 ÷ 100) × 240 = 12.

Common mistakes

  • Forgetting to divide the percentage by 100 first
  • Multiplying by the wrong base number
  • Confusing “percent of” with “what percent is” questions

Use the calculator next

After reading the method, use the Percentage Calculator to apply the same steps with real numbers.