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How to Calculate Percentages in Your Head

You can work out most everyday percentages in a few seconds if you start from 10% and 50%.

Try the Percentage CalculatorFree, no sign-up. Uses the same formulas explained below.

Start with 10%

Move the decimal point one place to the left. 10% of 240 is 24. 10% of 65 is 6.5.

Build the rest from 10%

  • 20%: double the 10%
  • 5%: halve the 10%
  • 15%: add the 10% and the 5%
  • 30%: triple the 10%

Example: 15% of 200. 10% is 20, 5% is 10, so 15% is 30.

Quick fractions

  • 50% is half
  • 25% is a quarter
  • 75% is three quarters
  • 20% is a fifth
  • 1% is moving the decimal two places

Flip the numbers

X% of Y is the same as Y% of X. So 4% of 75 is the same as 75% of 4, which is 3. Choose whichever is easier.

Check your answer

Use the percentage calculator to confirm results while you build the habit.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find 1% of a number?

Move the decimal point two places to the left. 1% of 350 is 3.5.

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