How to Do Percentages

1. Divide the number (N) by 100 to obtain a decimal, and then move the decimal point two places to the right to obtain your percentage (P).For example, if you have 100 items, what percent is N, where N=24?
N / 100 = P
24 / 100 = .24 or 24%
2. Convert a fraction or decimal to a percent by multiplying by 100.For example, 1 girl (N) out of 5 (T) receives an equal share of the money from a bake sale. Divide the given amount (N) by the total amount (T) and multiply by 100 for the percent (P).
N/T x 100 = P
1/5 x 100 = 20 or 20%
3. Convert a percentage to a fraction by dividing by 100 and then simplifying.20% = 20/100 = 1/5
4. Convert a percentage to a decimal by moving the decimal two places to the left.20% = 20.0 = .20
200% = 200.0 = 2.0
5. Convert to like measurements before calculating percent. When determining a percentage of differing measurements, you must first have all elements the same.For example, to determine the percent of 2 inches out of 12 feet, first convert the feet to inches.
12 inches = 1 foot
12 x 12 = 144 inches2 inches is what percent of 144?
2 = Percent x 144
2 ÷ 144 = .0138
Move the decimal point two places to the right of multiply by 100 for a percentage of 1.38%.