Percentage Word Problems
Common percentage word problems with step-by-step solutions.
Common percentage word problem types
Type 1: Finding a percentage of a number
"A store offers 30% off a $150 jacket. What is the discount amount?"
Discount = 150 × 30 ÷ 100 = $45Sale price = $150 − $45 = $105
Type 2: Finding what percentage one number is of another
"A student scored 54 out of 80 on a test. What percentage did they score?"
Score % = (54 ÷ 80) × 100 = 67.5%Type 3: Percentage increase / decrease
"A house was worth $400,000 and is now worth $460,000. What is the percentage increase?"
Increase = ((460,000 − 400,000) ÷ 400,000) × 100 = 15%Type 4: Finding the original value
"After a 20% discount, a TV costs $320. What was the original price?"
Original = 320 ÷ 0.80 = $400Frequently asked questions
The four main types are: (1) finding a % of a number, (2) finding what % one number is of another, (3) finding percentage change between two values, and (4) finding the original value given a percentage and a result.