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Percentage Calculator

Work out what X% of a number is, what percentage one number is of another, and the percentage difference between two values.

Category
Calculators
Updated
Cost
Free · no sign-up

Result

12.6

15% of 84

Remaining amount71.4
Original total84

15 ÷ 100 × 84 = 12.6

Three questions, one calculator

Almost every percentage problem is one of three questions, and this calculator handles each in its own mode.

What is X% of Y? Multiply Y by X ÷ 100. A 15% tip on 84 is 0.15 × 84 = 12.60.

X is what percent of Y? Divide X by Y and multiply by 100. If 37 of 120 seats are taken, that's 37 ÷ 120 × 100 = 30.8%.

What's the percentage change from X to Y? Subtract, divide by the original value, multiply by 100. From 120 to 150 is (150 − 120) ÷ 120 × 100 = 25%.

Percent versus percentage points

This distinction causes more reporting errors than any other. If an interest rate moves from 4% to 5%, that is:

  • an increase of 1 percentage point
  • an increase of 25 percent

Both are correct. Which one you use changes how big the change sounds, so state which you mean whenever the difference matters.

Doing it in your head

A few shortcuts cover most everyday cases:

  • 10% — move the decimal one place left.
  • 5% — half of 10%.
  • 20% — double 10%.
  • 15% — 10% plus half of it.
  • 1% — move the decimal two places left.

Percentages are also commutative: 8% of 50 equals 50% of 8, which is 4. Swapping the numbers sometimes turns an awkward sum into an obvious one.

How to use the Percentage Calculator

Three steps, no sign-up.

  1. Pick the question you're asking

    Three modes: percent of a number, one number as a percent of another, and percentage change.

  2. Fill in the two values

    The result updates as you type — there's nothing to submit.

  3. Check the working

    Each mode shows the equation it used, so you can reuse it by hand.

Worked examples

A 15% tip on a $84 bill

Inputs
15% of 84
Result
12.60

Frequently asked questions

How do I calculate a percentage by hand?
Divide the percentage by 100 and multiply. 15% of 84 is 0.15 × 84 = 12.6.
What's the difference between percentage points and percent?
Going from 20% to 25% is a rise of 5 percentage points, but a 25% increase. Reports frequently confuse the two.