How to find a Percentage of a Number

How to find a percentage is a very recurring question. This page explains a method to figure out the percentage of a number when using a calculator that is missing the percent key.

What is a percentage?

A percentage is a proportion between two quantities expressed in hundredths. It is often used to define a portion as a fraction of a whole. It's widely used in statistics, and finance to define probability, rate of return etc.

How to find a percentage of a number

Multiply the number by the percentage fraction. For example to calculate 9% of 25000, multiply 25000 by 9/100, that is, multiply 25000 by 0.09.

How to add or subtract percentages

If your calculator does not have a percent key and you want to add a percentage to a number multiply that number by 1 plus the percentage fraction. For example 25000+9% = 25000 x 1.09 = 27250. To subtract 9 percent multiply the number by 1 minus the percentage fraction. Example: 25000 - 9% = 25000 x 0.91 = 22750.

Try it out online

Try a virtual calculator by selecting a simple or a paper roll calculator from the icons below. Just click on the calculator of your choice. Alternatively, you can try Alcula's percentage calculator.