A percentage figure represents the number of parts per one hundred a portion amount corresponds to. For example, “75 percent” is another way of saying “75 parts per 100.” To calculate a percentage, the whole amount must be known, in addition to the percentage or portion amount. The question may be “what percentage of ​W​ is ​P​,” where ​W​ is the whole amount and ​P​ is the portion amount. Or the question may be “how much is ​X​ percent of ​W​,” where ​X​ represents a percentage figure.

Write down the whole number amount, for example: 500.

Write down the portion number amount as a numerator over the whole number amount. For example, use:

Calculate the equation. The result is the decimal equivalent of the percentage.

For example, use:

Multiply the decimal equivalent of the percentage by 100; or move the number’s decimal point over two places to the right. The result is the percentage amount.

For example:

(This answers the question “120 is what percent of 500,” you learn that 120 is 24 percent of 500).

Write down the percentage amount.

For example: 24 percent.

Divide the percentage amount by 100, or move the number’s decimal point over two places to the left, to convert it to its decimal equivalent.

For example:

Write down the whole number amount.

For example: 500.

Multiply the whole number amount by the decimal equivalent of the percentage. The result is the percentage portion amount.

For example:

(Therefore this answers the question “How much is 24 percent of 500,” you learn that 24 percent of 500 is 120).

Enter the whole number amount in the calculator.

For example: enter 500.

Press the times key. Then enter the percentage amount.

For example: enter 24.

Press the percent key. The result is the percentage portion amount (should be 120).

A calculator with a percentage key, whether a "real" handheld one or the kind on your computer, can help you zip through a variety of percentage problems, once you get the hang of it.

For example, to find 24 percent of 500, enter: 24, then press the percent key, then press the multiply key, then enter 500, then press equals.

You should see the answer, 120.

To find 500 plus 24 percent, enter 500, then press the plus key, enter 24, press the percent key, then press equals.

You should see the total, 620.

To calculate a 24 percent discount on 500, enter 500, press the minus key, enter 24, press the percent key, press equals.

The calculator displays the answer, 380.