How to Calculate Percentage: 3 Simple Methods

Percentages come up constantly — discounts, marks, tips, statistics. Here are the three cases you'll actually use.

1. What is X% of Y?

Multiply: X% of Y = (X ÷ 100) × Y. Example: 20% of 250 = 0.20 × 250 = 50.

2. X is what percent of Y?

Divide, then ×100: (X ÷ Y) × 100. Example: 45 is what % of 180? (45 ÷ 180) × 100 = 25%.

3. Percentage increase or decrease

((new − old) ÷ old) × 100. Example: from 200 to 250 = (50 ÷ 200) × 100 = 25% increase.

Skip the maths

Our Percentage Calculator handles all three instantly. Shopping? The Discount Calculator shows your final price and savings.