How do you figure percentages?

Literally, "percent" means "per hundred". A percentage is a measure per 100 in any particular value. For instance, in 100 grains of wheat, 50 percent would mean 50 grains. Dividing the value in question by the total value and then multiplying by 100 gives us the percentage. 50 grains / 100 grains x 100 = 50%.

Percentages are a very effective method of comparison between multiple values in mathematics. Used for decades throughout the world, percentages can be found anywhere from juice boxes to weather forecasts. From quantities to probability and statistics, percentages are put to use in a variety of different mathematical tasks.

For use in probability and prediction, a percentage usually indicates the likelihood of an event. Most commonly in weather stations, a percentage is used to predict the chance of a possible rain, hail, snow or any other natural occurrence. A 75% chance of rain would mean that even though one can expect rain to fall, there is still probability that it might not.

Generally, a percentage formula can be written as (Value / Total Value x 100). A simple ratio, in a 100-fraction expression, percentages are very effective in giving information about quality, quantity, probability or completeness.