Percentage Formula

The formula for calculating a percentage of a number, with variable definitions and worked examples.

Formula
Where P is the percentage, V is the part value, and T is the total value.
Variables
SymbolNameDescriptionUnit
PPercentageThe resulting percentage%
VPart ValueThe portion you want to express as a percentage—
TTotal ValueThe whole or base value—
How to Use
  1. Identify the part value (V) — the number you want to find the percentage of.
  2. Identify the total value (T) — the base or whole amount.
  3. Divide V by T to get the decimal ratio.
  4. Multiply by 100 to convert to a percentage.
Examples
1. What percentage is 25 out of 200?

Substitute V = 25 and T = 200 into the formula:

2. What is 30% of 150?

Rearrange the formula to solve for V: V = (P / 100) × T

3. A shirt costs $80. After a 25% discount, what is the sale price?

First find the discount amount, then subtract from the original price.

4. A student scored 72 out of 90 on a test. What is their percentage score?
ℹTip: 72 ÷ 90 = 0.8 exactly, so 0.8 × 100 = 80% — no rounding needed.
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