How to Find the Percent of a Whole Number

Multiply and Divide

• 1

  Multiply the whole number by the percent you want to find. For example, if the question is, "What is 81 percent of 90?" then multiply 81 by 90, for a result of 7,290.

• 2

  Divide your result by 100. For example, 7,290 divided by 100 equals 72.90. A simple way to do this is to move the decimal point on your first answer two spaces to the left.

• 3

  If your exact answer is not a whole number, round your number to the nearest whole number. For example, 72.90 rounds to 73, for a final answer of 73 percent.

Use Decimals

• 4

  Convert your percent to a decimal. For example if the question is, "What is 81 percent of 90?" Convert 81% to .81 by dividing by 100 or moving the decimal point to the left two spaces.

• 5

  Multiply your new decimal by your whole number. For example, .81 times 90, for an answer of 72.90.

• 6

  If you want to find the nearest whole percent, round your answer to the nearest whole number. 72.90 rounds to 73, for a final answer of 73 percent.