How do I calculate percentages with a calculator?

How to Calculate Percentages Easily on Any Calculator

Working out percentages does not have to be confusing. Whether you are figuring out a discount at the store, calculating a tip, or checking your test score, a standard calculator makes the process quick and straightforward once you know the basic trick.

The easiest way to calculate a percentage is to convert it into a decimal first. To do this, simply divide the percentage by 100. For example, if you want to find 15 percent, you type 15 divided by 100, which gives you 0.15. This number represents 1 percent of your total or serves as your decimal multiplier.

Once you have your decimal, just multiply it by the total amount you are working with. If an item costs 50 dollars and you want to find 15 percent of it, you multiply 50 by 0.15, giving you 7.50 dollars. If you are trying to find the final price after a discount, you can subtract that result from the original price, or simply multiply the original amount by 0.85 to find the remaining cost directly.

With practice, this two-step method of dividing by 100 and multiplying becomes second nature, allowing you to solve math problems on the fly without second-guessing yourself.