How to Calculate Percentage of Marks?
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“How to convert marks into percentage?” remains a common query among students seeking to pursue their higher education abroad. The percentage can be calculated using a simple formula, i.e. the Percentage Formula. The formula that is used to calculate percentages is: [(Actual Value/Total Value) x 100]. However, in different scenarios where total marks are not 100, different calculations need to be done. This article teaches all the ways to calculate percentages.
Calculating percentage from marks can sometimes be a bit difficult for students as there are many formulas and cases involved. One time you have to calculate the percentage of marks when the total is 100 or a multiple of 100 and the other time, it's not. In such cases, knowing a few simpler and easier tricks that can help you carry out the calculations quickly can save you a lot of time. Hence, in this article, we have come up with different formulas to calculate percentage of marks when the total marks vary
In case you too are wondering how to calculate percentage of marks then, this blog is for you! You may need to convert marks into percentages to get admitted to the top universities in the best countries for higher education abroad. But before learning how to find the percentage of marks, we must understand the term “percentage” thoroughly. Based on your understanding of “percentage”, it will be easy to determine the percentage from marks.
You will also be able to calculate the percentage of marks where the total marks are/are not equal to a hundred. Hence, in this blog, you will come across different ways to calculate the percentage of marks. We have also provided some real-life examples in each case so that you don't face difficulty in any of your calculations.
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What is Percentage?
The term “Percentage” was derived from the Latin word “Per Centum” which means “by parts of 100”. Percentage is used to express a number, rate, amount, etc. as a part of a “whole” entity, where the “whole” is usually taken as 100. Alternatively, percentage can be explained as any number or ratio expressed as a part of 100. Thus, all calculations in determining the percentage from marks involve obtaining a denominator in the form of 100.
What is the Percentage Formula?
The percentage of marks can be calculated by dividing the obtained marks (actual value) by the total marks (total value) and then, multiplying the fraction with 100.
Thus, the percentage formula is:
For example, if a student receives 25 marks out of 50 on his test then, his percentage of marks can be calculated by dividing the marks he received (actual value) by the total marks (total value) and then multiplying the fraction with 100.
How to Calculate Percentage of Marks?
Now that we have learned the percentage formula, we will consider the different cases of calculating the percentages from marks. Let us learn how to find percentage of marks in different scenarios below.
Case 1. When the Total Marks are 100
In case the scores are given out of a total of 100 marks, i.e. the division of obtained scores (actual value) by the total score (total value) makes a fraction out of 100, then, the percentage is simply the numerator of the fraction.
Hence, the percentage of marks formula in this case will be: Percentage = actual value/total value = actual value/100 = (actual value)%
For example, in a test, Rohan scored 74 marks out of 100 and Shilpa scored 95 marks out of 100, the fraction of scores obtained by Rohan and Shilpa are:
Hence, the percentages of marks obtained by Rohan and Shilpa are 74% and 95% respectively.
Case 2. When the Total Marks are a Multiple of 100
It may become difficult at times to calculate the percentage of marks when the total marks are not hundred. The calculations involving the total marks as a multiple of 100 are useful in deriving the average percentage of marks of the student. In such cases, we just add the marks obtained in all the desired subjects alongside adding their total marks separately.
To calculate the percentage of marks when the total marks are a multiple of 100, we divide the numerator and denominator of the fraction of marks by an integer so that the denominator gets reduced to “100”. Then, the numerator of the fraction gives the percentage of marks (as discussed in Case 1 above).
For example, Rohit secured a total of 540 marks out of 600 marks in an exam. Then the fraction of marks that Rohit secured is 540/600. Now, we divide both the numerator and the denominator by 6 to get a 100 in the denominator.
Therefore, the percentage of marks secured by Rohit is 90%.
Case 3. When the Total Marks are a Factor of 100
Wondering how to calculate the percentage of marks when the total mark is a factor of 100? In a similar case as above, when the total marks are a factor of 100, multiply the whole fraction of marks with a number such that the denominator gets converted to 100, or the total marks become 100.
For example, Sanjana receives 16 marks out of a total of 25 marks. Therefore, the fraction of marks obtained by Sanjana is 16/25. Now, to calculate the percentage of her marks (out of hundred), we have to multiply the whole fraction with such a number that the denominator becomes 100.
Hence, the percentage of marks received by Sanjana is 64%.
How to Calculate Percentage From Marks: Summary
As we have learned all the cases of how to find the find percentage of marks, we can summarise all these three cases below.
| Cases | Procedure |
|---|---|
| When Total Marks are 100 | The numerator of the fraction of marks gives the percentage. |
| When Total Marks are a Multiple of 100 | The whole fraction of marks is divided by a number to get “100” as the denominator. Then, the numerator of the fraction of marks gives the percentage (as in Case 1). |
| When Total Marks are a Factor of 100 | The whole fraction of marks is multiplied with a number to get “100” as the denominator. Then, the numerator of the fraction of marks gives the percentage (as in Case 1). |
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How to Calculate Percentage Change?
When a quantity or a value changes in terms of percentage over a period of time, the amount of change occurred can be expressed by a percentage change. The formula to calculate a change in percentage is given below.
Therefore, the increase and decrease in the percentage can be calculated as explained ahead.
How to Calculate Percentage Increase?
Percentage increase is referred to as an increase in the percentage value of a given quantity over a period of time. The calculation of percentage increase can be useful when determining a change in percentage of large quantities over a period of time such as the change in population or the change in bacterial growth over a period of time.
The percentage increase formula is given below.
For example, consider that the total population of a town has increased from 1500 to 2500 people. Then, the calculation of percentage increase in the total population of the town is shown in the image below:
So, the above calculation indicates the percentage increase in the population of the town is 66.66%.
How to Calculate Percentage Decrease?
Percentage decrease is referred to as a decrease in the percentage value of a given quantity over a period of time.
The percentage decrease formula is given in the image below.
For example, consider that the total number of students in a school has decreased from 750 to 550. The percentage decrease in the total number of students in that school can be calculated as given below.
So, the above calculation indicates that the percentage decrease in the total number of students in the given school is 26.66%.
How to Calculate Marks from Percentage?
We have provided the formula to calculate marks from percentage below in case the students need to verify their marks based on the percentage that they received in the examination. For using this formula to calculate the marks from percentage, the students must be aware of the total marks.
For example, Rohan received 64% marks on his test which was scored out of a total of 25 marks. Thus, the marks obtained by Rohan can be determined as:
Hence, Rohan must have obtained 16 marks on his test.
So, this was all about how to find percentage of marks and how to calculate marks from percentage. In this blog, we also presented the calculation of percentage increase and decrease. Candidates looking for assistance with university application process can get in touch with our Shiksha Counselling Services on the same. Candidates can write to us with their queries in the comments section, below.
How to Calculate Percentage of Marks FAQs
Q: How to convert grade into percentage?
Q: How to find percentage of marks from CGPA?
The method to convert CGPA to percentage varies depending on the scale used.
For a 10-point CGPA scale:
- The common formula to convert CGPA into percentage of marks is:
- Percentage = CGPA * 9.5
- For example, if your CGPA is 8.5, then the percentage of marks would be 8.5 * 9.5 = 80.75%.
- The common formula to convert CGPA into percentage of marks is:
For a 4-point CGPA scale:
- The common formula to convert CGPA into percentage of marks is:
- Percentage = (CGPA / 4) * 100
- For example, if your CGPA is 3.2, then the percentage would be (3.2 / 4) * 100 = 80%.
- The common formula to convert CGPA into percentage of marks is:
The conversion factor might differ depending on the specific grading system used by your institution. Additionally, if you want to calculate exact marks, you will need to know the maximum marks for each subject.
Q: How to calculate percentage of marks in Excel?
You can make calculations like calculating the percentage of marks in Excel sheet using certain formulas. To calculate the percentage of marks in Excel, the formula that you will is:
Formula for the Percentage of Marks in Excel = (Obtained Marks / Total Marks) * 100
The steps involved in calculating the percentage of marks in Excel sheet are given below.
Set up your data:
- Create separate columns for Subject, Obtained Marks, and Total Marks.
- Input the corresponding data for each subject in these columns.
Create a column for Percentage:
- Add a column named "Percentage."
Apply the percentage calculation formula for Excel:
- In the first cell of the "Percentage" column, enter the following formula (adjust cell references as needed):
- = (B2/C2)*100
- Here, B2 is the cell containing the obtained marks for the first subject, and C2 is the cell containing the total marks for the same subject.
- In the first cell of the "Percentage" column, enter the following formula (adjust cell references as needed):
Copy the formula:
- Copy the formula down the "Percentage" column for all subjects.
Format as percentage:
- Select the entire "Percentage" column.
- Click on the percentage format button in the "Number" group on the Home tab.
For example, the percentage of marks calculated by applying the above formula in Excel will give results as in the table below.
| Calculation of Percentage of Marks in Excel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Obtained Marks | Total Marks | Percentage |
| Math | 85 | 100 | 85% |
| Science | 72 | 100 | 72% |
| English | 90 | 100 | 90% |
Q: How to calculate percentage of marks of the best of 5 subjects?
As per the common criteria, the best of five subjects include one language subject, i.e. English (or, the one as per the school/exam board), and 4 other subjects in which the student has obtained the highest marks. The marks obtained in subjects other than these are not considered for the “best of five” or the main percentage.
The percentage of the best of five can be calculated by dividing the total marks obtained in the best of five subjects divided by the total marks for these subjects and multiplying these marks by 100.
Q: What is the difference between percentage and percentile?
The difference between percentage and percentile is that the percentage can be calculated by multiplying 100 with a fraction. However, the percentile cannot be determined in a similar way. The percentage on one hand can be written as ratio or proportion while the percentile cannot be written in terms of ratios or proportions.
Q: How to calculate percentage of marks of 10th class?
Below are the steps to calculate the percentage of marks in class 10th:
- Find the total marks you scored in all subjects.
- Find the total maximum marks possible for all subjects (sum of maximum marks in each subject).
- Divide the total marks by the total maximum marks and multiply by 100.
Example: If you scored 480 marks out of a maximum of 600, your percentage = (480/600)*100 = 80%.
Q: How to convert class 12th marks into percentage?
To calculate the percentage of marks in class 12th, follow the below-given steps:
- Add up the marks obtained in all subjects.
- Determine the total maximum marks possible.
- Divide the sum of marks obtained by the total maximum marks.
- Multiply the result by 100 to get the percentage.
The percentage formula is:
Percentage = (Total marks obtained / Total maximum marks) * 100
For example, if you scored 450 marks out of a possible 500:
Percentage = (450 / 500) * 100 = 90%
Q: How to calculate percentage of marks of 6 subjects?
To calculate the percentage of marks for 6 subjects, follow the below-given steps:
- Add up the marks you obtained in all 6 subjects.
- Determine the total maximum marks possible for all 6 subjects combined.
- Divide the sum of your obtained marks by the total maximum marks.
- Multiply the result by 100 to get the percentage.
The percentage formula to calculate percentage of marks of 6 subjects becomes:
Percentage = (Total marks obtained in 6 subjects / Total maximum marks for 6 subjects) * 100
For example, if each of the 6 subjects is scored out of 100 marks, and you scored:
Subject 1 = 85 marks
Subject 2 = 92 marks
Subject 3 = 78 marks
Subject 4 = 88 marks
Subject 5 = 95 marks
Subject 6 = 83 marks
Then, according to the steps mentioned above:
- Total marks obtained: 85 + 92 + 78 + 88 + 95 + 83 = 521
- Total maximum marks: 100 * 6 = 600
- Percentage = (521 / 600) * 100 = 86.83%
Remember to check if your board has any specific calculation methods or weightings for different subjects.
Q: How to calculate percentage of marks of 5 subjects?
To calculate the percentage of marks for 5 subjects, follow these steps:
Step 1: Add up the marks obtained in each subject.
Step 2: Divide the total marks obtained by the maximum possible total marks.
Step 3: Multiply the result by 100 to get the percentage.
Here's an example of the calculation of the percentage of marks of 5 subjects:
If you obtained the following marks in 5 subjects:
- Subject 1: 85
- Subject 2: 90
- Subject 3: 75
- Subject 4: 88
- Subject 5: 92
Step 1: Add up the marks: 85 + 90 + 75 + 88 + 92 = 430
Step 2: Assume the maximum possible marks for each subject is 100. So, the maximum possible total marks for 5 subjects would be 500. Divide the total marks obtained by the maximum possible total marks: 430 / 500 = 0.86
Step 3: Multiply the result by 100 to get the percentage: 0.86 * 100 = 86%
Therefore, your overall percentage for the 5 subjects is 86%.
Q: How to find percentage of an amount?
The percentage of an amount can be drawn by applying the following formula: (Actual (Given) Value/Total Value) x 100
Hence, suppose, you want to calculate the percentage of marks of a student who has scored 332 out of a total of 500 marks then, applying the percentage formula given above we get:
Actual Value/Total Value) x 100 = 332/500 x 100
= 66.4% marks
Q: How to find 20% of a number?
To find 20% of a number, you will have to multiply the number with 20/100.
Now, let us suppose, you wish to find 20% of 1500 then, that would be:
20/100 x 1500 = 300
Similarly, you can find 30%, 45%, or even 65% of a number by multiplying 30/100, 45/100, and 65/100 respectively with the given number.
Q: How is percentage score calculated?
The percentage score can be calculated by using the following formula:
Percentage/Percentage Score = (Total Marks Obtained/ Total Maximum Marks) x 100
Q: What will be 70 marks in percentage?
Considering the total marks to be 100 here, the fraction of the obtained marks and total marks becomes 70/100.
Hence, the percentage of 70 marks is 70%.
Q: How to calculate attendance percentage?
To calculate your attendance percentage, follow these steps:
- Count the number of classes you attended. This includes all the classes you were physically present for.
- Count the total number of classes held. This includes both the classes you attended and the ones you missed.
- Divide the number of classes attended by the total number of classes. This will give you a decimal number.
- Multiply the decimal number by 100 to get the percentage.
Here is the formula to calculate the attendance percentage:
Attendance Percentage = (Number of Classes Attended / Total Number of Classes) * 100
Now, let's understand this by an example. Suppose, you attended 25 out of 30 classes then, the percentage of classes attended can be calculated as:
- Attendance Percentage = (25/30) * 100
- Attendance Percentage = 0.8333 * 100
- Attendance Percentage = 83.33%
Therefore, your attendance percentage is 83.33%.
Q: How to calculate average percentage?
To calculate the average percentage, follow these steps:
- Gather the individual percentages: Collect all the percentages you want to average.
- Add the percentages: Sum up all the individual percentages.
- Divide by the number of percentages: Divide the total sum of percentages by the number of percentages you added together.
Here is the formula to calculate the average percentage:
Average Percentage = (Sum of All Percentages) / (Number of Percentages)
Now let's take an example to understand it:
Suppose you have three percentages: 70%, 80%, and 90%, then the average percentage would be:
Average Percentage = (70% + 80% + 90%) / 3 = 80%
Q: How to calculate cut-off marks?
The cut-off marks are the minimum marks that a test taker needs to qualify/pass the exam. The cut off marks are calculated based on several factors such as the number of candidates, the difficulty level of the exam, and the number of available seats. Cut-off marks can vary from year to year.
The formula to calculate cut-off marks varies by exam and program. The cut-off mark for an exam is determined by a number of factors, including:
- The difficulty of the exam
- The number of students who took the exam
- The number of seats available in the program
- The cut-off marks from previous years
Q: What is the formula for calculating percentages?
The basic formula for calculating a percentage is:
Percentage = (Part / Whole) x 100
Where:
- Part: The specific amount you're interested in.
- Whole: The total amount or the original value.
Here's how it works:
- Divide the "part" by the "whole." This gives you a decimal.
- Multiply the decimal by 100. This converts it into a percentage.
Example: If you have 20 apples out of a total of 50 apples, the percentage of apples you have is: (20 / 50) x 100 = 40%
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Indian universities typically use a 10-point CGPA scale. To convert your CGPA to a percentage, multiply your CGPA by 9.5. For example, a CGPA of 9.0 would be equivalent to 85.5%.
This conversion is important because many universities abroad use a different grading system, such as a 4.0 GPA scale. By converting your CGPA to a percentage, you can compare your academic performance to the standards of international universities.