How To: Calculate percentage

Not sure exactly how to calculate a twenty percent tip for your waitress? Or how about how to figure out how much less your cost will be with that thirty percent off tag? Use these steps to calculate percentage, without a calculator.

You Will Need:
• A pen or pencil
• Paper

Step 1: Write a division problem
Write a division problem by dividing the unknown percentage of the total by the total.

Step 2: Complete the division
Complete the computation using long division. The result – or quotient – will include a decimal.

Step 3: Multiply by 100
Multiply the resulting quotient by 100 to convert it to a percentage. This is the percentage of the original amount.

Step 4: Pick up the check
Pick up the check. You no longer have an excuse to be a lousy tipper!

Trivia: The percent symbol can be traced back to the 15th century, when it was used in business transactions.