Organize the data in numerical order from lowest to highest, where the rank of each datum represents "i." For example, the third-lowest score will be "i3" when plugged into the formula.
Calculate "n," the number of observations. For example, in a classroom test, it would be the number of test-takers.
Compute percentile using the formula P = (100(i - 0.5))/n, where "i" equals the rank from Step 1 and "n" is the total number of observations. For example, on a seven-person test, to figure out the percentile for the third-lowest score, you would calculate (100(3-.5))/7, which equals 35.7, or the 35.7 percentile.