Convert Decimals to Percents

Percent means "per 100" so to convert decimals to percents:

Multiply the Decimal Number by 100%

This is safe to do because 100% = 1, and multiplying by 1 does not change the value.

Example: Convert 0.125 to percent

Multiply 0.125 by 100%:

0.125 × 100% = 12.5%

Don't forget the % sign!

Answer 0.125 = 12.5%

The easy way to multiply by 100 is to move the decimal point 2 places to the right:

From Decimal To Percent  
decimal to percent move the decimal point 2 places to the right (and add the "%" sign!)

More Examples:

Example: Convert 0.35 to percent

Move the decimal point two places to the right: 0.35 → 3.5 → 35%

Answer 0.35 = 35%

Example: Convert 0.985 to percent

Move the decimal point two places to the right: 0.985 → 9.85 → 98.5%

Answer 0.985 = 98.5%

You may also need to add zeros on the right to move the decimal point:

Example: Convert 1.2 to percent

Move the decimal point two places to the right: 1.2 → 12. → 120.%

Answer 1.2 = 120%

Why

grid 50 of 100

These all mean the same thing:

  • 0.5 (half) of the box is green.
  • 50 of the 100 squares are green,
  • 50 100 of the box is green,
  • 50% of the box is green.

So 0.5 (a decimal number) = 50% (a percentage)

The "%" tells you that there is a hidden "/100" there.

grid 50 of 100

Another example:

  • 0.25 (a quarter) of the box is green.
  • 25 of the 100 squares are green,
  • 25 100 of the box is green,
  • 25% of the box is green.

So 0.25 (a decimal number) = 25% (a percentage)

 

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