What is a percentage? Simple Definition and Examples

Definition

A percentage is a fraction out of 100. The word percent means per hundred.

Example

25% means 25 out of 100, which is 1/4 or 0.25.

Tip

Find 10% by dividing by 10, then build other percentages from it.

Practise it

Learn it visually: Percentages (interactive lesson)
Worksheets: Percentage of a number (Grade 5)
Worksheets: Percentage increase and decrease (Grade 7)
Online maths practice

Quick check: try these

Work each one out on paper, then tap the question to see the answer.

20% of 340 =
Answer: 68
20% of 380 =
Answer: 76
75% of 60 =
Answer: 45
5% of 200 =
Answer: 10

Learn it in depth

Percentage is part of Percentage for Class 7: notes, formulas, solved examples with every step, common mistakes and ten practice questions with answers. Want a teacher to go through it with you? See Class 7 maths tuition.

Related words

Fraction, Decimal, Ratio

FAQ

Percentage: questions

What is a percentage?

A percentage is a fraction out of 100. The word percent means per hundred. 25% means 25 out of 100, which is 1/4 or 0.25.

What is a common mistake with percentage?

Find 10% by dividing by 10, then build other percentages from it.

Where do students learn percentage?

Percentage is usually taught in Class 7, and the ideas come back in later classes. Chapter names and order differ by board and textbook, so follow your own textbook. We have a full page with notes, solved examples and practice questions.

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Profit and loss (Grade 7): Finding profit or loss as a percentage of the cost price, and the selling price after a gain or loss. Open the practice page or print a worksheet.

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