The simple formula for marks percentage, with examples for Matric, FSc and university results, plus how to work out percentage increase and a percentage of any number.
Admission forms, scholarships and job applications all ask for your percentage. The formula takes ten seconds once you know it, and it works for every board and university.
The formula
Percentage = (marks obtained ÷ total marks) × 100
Divide your marks by the total, then multiply by 100. Round to two decimal places unless the form says otherwise.
Examples
| Exam | Marks obtained | Total marks | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matric | 925 | 1100 | 84.09% |
| Matric (new scheme) | 1050 | 1200 | 87.50% |
| FSc / Inter | 968 | 1100 | 88.00% |
| One subject | 67 | 75 | 89.33% |
| Semester total | 412 | 500 | 82.40% |
Let's check the first one: 925 ÷ 1100 = 0.8409, and 0.8409 × 100 = 84.09%.
Combining several exams
To get one percentage for Part 1 and Part 2 together, add the marks and add the totals first, then divide. Don't average the two percentages: if the totals differ, the average is wrong.
Example: Part 1 = 470 / 550 and Part 2 = 498 / 550. Combined = 968 / 1100 = 88.00%.
Finding marks from a percentage
Need 60% in a 1100-mark exam? Marks = percentage × total ÷ 100 = 60 × 1100 ÷ 100 = 660 marks. This is the same as finding “X% of a number”.
Percentage increase or decrease
Change % = (new − old) ÷ old × 100
If your test score went from 72 to 81, the change is (81 − 72) ÷ 72 × 100 = 12.5% increase. Note that this is different from “9 percentage points”, which is simply 81% − 72%.
Do it instantly
The Percentage Calculator has three modes: marks percentage, percentage of a number, and percentage change. It updates as you type. For university results on a 4.0 scale, use the CGPA to Percentage Calculator, and to turn your percentage into a letter grade, the Grade Calculator.
Common mistakes
- Using the wrong total (for example 1050 instead of 1100 when one subject is graded separately).
- Averaging percentages from exams with different totals.
- Rounding too early: keep all decimals until the last step.