How the percentage is worked out
A percentage says how many hundredths of the whole the part is:
Worked example: 45 out of 180
- 45 ÷ 180 = 0.25.
- 0.25 × 100 = 25%, which is 1/4.
Everyday shares
- Marks: 68 out of 80 is 68 ÷ 80 × 100 = 85%.
- Budgets: ₹12,000 of rent out of ₹48,000 pay is 25% of income.
- Targets: 150 sales against a target of 120 is 125% of the target.
| Fraction | Decimal | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 | 0.5 | 50% |
| 1/3 | 0.333… | 33.33% |
| 1/4 | 0.25 | 25% |
| 3/4 | 0.75 | 75% |
| 1/5 | 0.2 | 20% |
| 1/8 | 0.125 | 12.5% |
| 1/10 | 0.1 | 10% |
Frequently asked questions
How do I work out what percent one number is of another?
Divide the part by the whole and multiply by 100. 45 out of 180: 45 ÷ 180 = 0.25, and 0.25 × 100 = 25%.
How do I turn exam marks into a percentage?
Divide the marks you scored by the maximum marks and multiply by 100. 68 out of 80 is 68 ÷ 80 × 100 = 85%.
How do I turn a fraction into a percentage?
Divide the top by the bottom and multiply by 100. 3/8 = 3 ÷ 8 = 0.375, which is 37.5%.
Can the answer be more than 100%?
Yes, when the part is bigger than the whole you compare it with. Sales of 150 against a target of 120 are 125% of the target.