How to work out a percentage in a spreadsheet
A percentage is one cell divided by another. Work out a share of a total, a percentage change and a discount.
Task 1A share of a total4 questions
A percentage is a part divided by the whole. In a sheet that is one cell divided by another: =B2/B6.
The answer comes out as a decimal, such as 0.25. Format the cell as a percentage and it shows 25%, so do not multiply by 100 as well.
Lock the total with dollar signs, as $B$6. The formula can then be copied down the column and still divide by the total.
| A | B | C | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Product line | Sales | Share |
| 2 | Paper | 3,200.00 | |
| 3 | Pens | 1,200.00 | |
| 4 | Filing | 1,600.00 | |
| 5 | Furniture | 2,000.00 | |
| 6 | Total | 8,000.00 |
Task 2A percentage change2 questions
Task 3A percentage of an amount3 questions