How do I calculate the percentage of something?

To calculate the percentage represented by a ratio, divide the numerator by the denominator, and multiply by 100. For example, given the ratio 14 out of 50, the corresponding percentage is found by dividing 14 by 50, which is 0.28, then multiplying 0.28 by 100 to get 28 percent.

The word percent means "for every hundred," so finding a percent is the same as restating a rational number so that its denominator is 100. The ratio 14/50 can be converted to a percent by multiplying the numerator and denominator by 2, yielding the ratio 28/100, or 28 percent. Decimal numbers are converted to percents by moving the decimal point two places to the left. For example, 0.73 equals 73 percent.