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How to Convert Percentages to Probabilities

Probabilities measure the number of times that a desired outcome occurs out of any number of trials. Probability is usually expressed as a fraction, such as 5 out of 12. Percentages measure the number of times a desired outcome occurs per 100 trials. For example, 40 percent would mean that the desired outcome occurs 40 out of 100 trials. If you want to change a percentage to a probability, you need to change the percentage to a fraction and simplify it.

Things You'll Need

  • Calculator
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put the percentage over 100 to change the percentage to a fraction. For example, if you want to convert 36 percent to a probability, put 36 over 100 to get the fraction 36/100.

    • 2

      Select a factor the numerator and denominator have in common. For this example, because both 36 and 100 are even numbers, divide 36 and 100 by 2 to get 18/50.

    • 3

      Continue to select common factors of the numerator and denominator until no common factors besides 1 exist. This reduces the fraction to its simplest terms so you can find the probability. In this example, divide 18 and 50 by 2 to get 9/25. Because 9 and 25 have no common factors besides 1, 36 percent equals a probability of 9/25, or 9 out of 25.

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