How this calculator works
This calculator tells you what percent one number is of another. It is the one to use for test scores (“I got 42 out of 50”), progress towards a goal, or the share of a total that one item takes up.
Divide the part by the total, then multiply by 100. The order matters: the part goes on top and the total, the “out of” number, goes underneath.
Worked example: 42 out of 50 on a test
- Divide the part by the total: 42 ÷ 50 = 0.84.
- Multiply by 100 to get a percentage: 0.84 × 100 = 84.
42 out of 50 is 84%.
Quick reference: scores out of 20
| Score | Out of | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 20 | 50% |
| 12 | 20 | 60% |
| 14 | 20 | 70% |
| 15 | 20 | 75% |
| 16 | 20 | 80% |
| 18 | 20 | 90% |
| 19 | 20 | 95% |
Common mistake
Dividing the wrong way round. 50 ÷ 42 × 100 gives 119%, which can't be right for a test score. If the part is smaller than the total, the answer must be under 100%.
Questions people ask
- Can the answer be more than 100%?
- Yes, when the part is bigger than the total. For example, selling 120 items against a target of 100 is 120% of the target.
- Is this the same as a percentage change?
- No. This shows how big one number is compared with another. To see how much something grew or fell, use the percentage increase/decrease calculator.
- Why is my official grade different?
- Schools and exams may weight sections differently or round scores. This calculator shows the plain percentage only.
Similar calculators
Calculate percent of a numberFind a percentage of any number, e.g. 20% of 150.Percentage increase/decrease calculatorWork out the percentage increase or decrease between two values.Find original price from percentageFind the original number when you only know a percentage of it.Percentage difference between two numbersCompare two values and see how far apart they are in percent.