How to Calculate Percentage in Excel
Microsoft Excel is one of the most popular spreadsheet software applications in the world, and it can be used to calculate a wide range of formulas, including percentages. In this article, we’ll teach you how to calculate percentages in Excel.
Before we get started, it’s important to understand that percentages are simply a way of expressing a fraction as a more user-friendly number. For example, 1/4 is equal to 25% when expressed as a percentage. So, to calculate a percentage in Excel, you first need to have a number or a fraction to work with.
Once you have your numbers, there are several different ways you can calculate percentages in Excel.
Method 1: Using formulas
One of the easiest ways to calculate percentages in Excel is to use formulas. Here are two formulas you can use:
Percentage increase = (new value – old value) ÷ old value * 100
Percentage decrease = (old value – new value) ÷ old value * 100
To use these formulas in Excel, simply enter the old value and the new value in separate cells. Then, enter the formula in a third cell, substituting the cell references for the old and new values.
Method 2: Using the percentage sign
Another way to calculate percentages in Excel is to use the percentage sign. To do this, simply divide the percentage you want by 100 and multiply the result by the number you want to find the percentage of.
For example, if you wanted to find 25% of 200, you would enter the following formula into a cell: =25%*200. This would give you the result of 50.
Method 3: Using the toolbar
If you’re using a newer version of Excel, you can also use the toolbar to calculate percentages. Simply select the cells you want to work with and click on the percentage sign (%) in the toolbar. This will automatically enter the percentage formula into the selected cells.
Final thoughts
Calculating percentages in Excel is easy once you know how to do it. Whether you prefer to use formulas, the percentage sign, or the toolbar, there are many ways to get the job done. So, the next time you need to calculate a percentage in Excel, give one of these methods a try!