Free Percentage Calculator
Work out percentages three ways: a percent of a number, what percent one value is of another, and the percentage change between two numbers.
Quick answer
To find X% of a number, multiply the number by X ÷ 100. To find what percent A is of B, divide A by B and multiply by 100. To find the percentage change from an old value to a new value, subtract old from new, divide by the old value, then multiply by 100.
Formula & method
Percent of a number
result = number × (percent ÷ 100)
- percent — the percentage you want, e.g. 15
- number — the base value
What percent A is of B
percent = (A ÷ B) × 100
- A — the part
- B — the whole
Percentage change
change % = ((new − old) ÷ |old|) × 100
- old — the starting value
- new — the ending value
A positive result is an increase; a negative result is a decrease.
Common fractions as percentages
| Fraction | Percentage |
|---|---|
| 1/10 | 10% |
| 1/8 | 12.5% |
| 1/5 | 20% |
| 1/4 | 25% |
| 1/3 | 33.33% |
| 1/2 | 50% |
| 2/3 | 66.67% |
| 3/4 | 75% |
Examples
- Input
- percent = 15, number = 80
- Result
- 12
- Why
- 80 × (15 ÷ 100) = 80 × 0.15 = 12.
- Input
- A = 30, B = 120
- Result
- 25%
- Why
- 30 ÷ 120 = 0.25, and 0.25 × 100 = 25%.
- Input
- old = 50, new = 65
- Result
- +30%
- Why
- (65 − 50) ÷ 50 = 0.30, and 0.30 × 100 = a 30% increase.
When to use this tool
- Working out a tip, discount, sales tax, or commission.
- Comparing growth between two figures, such as revenue, weight, or a test score.
- Checking what share one number is of a total.
Common mistakes
- Confusing “percent of” with “percent change.” 20% of 50 is 10, but a 20% increase on 50 is 60.
- Dividing by the new value when finding percentage change — always divide by the original (old) value.
- Assuming a 50% drop and a 50% rise cancel out. They don’t: 100 → 50 → 75.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate a percentage of a number?
Divide the percentage by 100 to turn it into a decimal, then multiply by the number. For example, 15% of 80 is 0.15 × 80 = 12.
How do I find what percentage one number is of another?
Divide the part by the whole and multiply by 100. For example, 30 out of 120 is (30 ÷ 120) × 100 = 25%.
How do I calculate a percentage increase or decrease?
Subtract the old value from the new value, divide by the old value, and multiply by 100. A positive answer is an increase; a negative answer is a decrease.
What is the difference between percent and percentage points?
A percentage point is the absolute gap between two percentages. Going from 10% to 12% is a rise of 2 percentage points, but a 20% relative increase.
Why doesn’t a 50% increase cancel a 50% decrease?
Each percentage is taken from a different base. Starting at 100, a 50% drop gives 50; a 50% rise on 50 gives 75, not 100.
Is my input sent to a server?
No. This calculator runs entirely in your browser, so the numbers you enter never leave your device.
How do I calculate a percentage increase using this tool?
Use the '% change' tab. Enter the old value in the 'Old value' field and the new value in the 'New value' field. The tool will show you the percentage increase (positive) or decrease (negative).
Can I use this tool to calculate sales tax or tips?
Yes, for simple cases. Use the '% of a number' tab. Enter the tax/tip rate as the percentage and the purchase total as the number. For multi-rate taxes or more complex scenarios, a dedicated sales-tax-calculator or tip-calculator may be more convenient.
Sources & references
External references open in a new tab. We are independent and not affiliated with these organizations.
- ✓ Free to use
- ✓ No sign-up required
- ✓ Runs entirely in your browser — nothing is uploaded.
- ✓ Formula and method shown above
Provided “as is” for general information only — results may be inaccurate, so verify before you rely on them. No warranty; use at your own risk.
Built and reviewed by HIFreeTools against the formula shown above and any authoritative references cited on this page. See our methodology and editorial standards.
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