How to Calculate Percentage in Excel? - Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Last Updated: August 19, 2026 | Reading Time: 7 minutes
Welcome to the most comprehensive guide on "How to Calculate Percentage in Excel?" - one of the most used formulas in Excel.
1. Introduction to Percentage in Excel
Calculating percentage is one of the most common tasks in Excel. Whether you are calculating student marks, sales growth, or discounts, Excel makes it easy.
2. Basic Percentage Formula
💡 Basic Formula: Percentage = (Part / Whole) * 100
In Excel: = (Part / Whole) * 100 or = Part / Whole (with percentage format)
3. Calculate Percentage of Marks
Example: Student scored 450 out of 500.
- In Cell A1, enter 450 (Marks Obtained).
- In Cell B1, enter 500 (Total Marks).
- In Cell C1, enter =A1/B1.
- Press Enter and format as Percentage.
4. Calculate Sales Growth Percentage
Example: Sales increased from ₹10,000 to ₹15,000.
- In Cell A1, enter 10000 (Old Value).
- In Cell B1, enter 15000 (New Value).
- In Cell C1, enter =(B1-A1)/A1.
- Press Enter and format as Percentage.
5. Calculate Discount Percentage
Example: Product price ₹1000, Discount ₹200.
- In Cell A1, enter 1000 (Original Price).
- In Cell B1, enter 200 (Discount Amount).
- In Cell C1, enter =B1/A1.
- Format as Percentage.
6. Percentage Increase/Decrease
📈 Percentage Increase
=(New Value - Old Value) / Old Value
Example: 50 → 75 = 50% increase
📉 Percentage Decrease
=(Old Value - New Value) / Old Value
Example: 75 → 50 = 33.3% decrease
7. Formatting as Percentage
- Select the cell(s) with the percentage formula.
- Go to Home tab → Number group.
- Click the "%" symbol.
- Or use shortcut Ctrl + Shift + %.
- Adjust decimal places using Increase/Decrease Decimal.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How to calculate percentage in Excel?
Use = (Part / Whole) and format as Percentage, or = (Part / Whole) * 100 for a number.
❓ What is the shortcut for percentage format?
Ctrl + Shift + %.
❓ How to calculate percentage increase?
=(New Value - Old Value) / Old Value and format as Percentage.