Are you confused about whether to use percent or percentage? You’re not alone. Many people struggle with the proper usage of these two words. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between percent and percentage and provide you with the information you need to use them correctly.
Let’s answer the question of which of the two is the proper word. The answer is that both words are correct, but they are used in different ways. Percent is used when you are referring to a specific number or amount, while percentage is used when you are referring to a portion or ratio.
Percent means “per hundred” and is used to express a fraction of 100. For example, if you have 75 out of 100 possible points on a test, you would say you received 75 percent on the test.
Percentage, on the other hand, refers to a portion or ratio of a whole. For example, if you want to know what percentage of the pizza you ate, you would be asking for the portion or ratio of the pizza that you consumed.
Now that we’ve clarified the difference between percent and percentage, let’s dive deeper into their usage and explore some common mistakes people make when using them.
Define Percent
Percent is a term used to express a portion of a whole as a fraction of 100. It is represented by the symbol “%”. For example, if 25 out of 100 students in a class are absent, the percentage of absent students is 25%.
Percentages are commonly used to express statistics, such as the percentage of a population that has received a vaccination or the percentage of a company’s profits that are allocated to research and development.
The term “percent” is derived from the Latin word “per centum,” meaning “by the hundred.”
Define Percentage
Percentage is a general term used to describe any portion of a whole that is expressed as a fraction of 100. It can refer to any type of proportion, not just those represented by the symbol “%”. For example, if a recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 tablespoon of salt, the percentage of sugar in the recipe is 66.7% (2 out of 3 tablespoons).
Percentages are used in many different fields, including finance, science, and education. They are often used to describe changes over time, such as the percentage increase in a company’s stock price or the percentage decrease in a country’s unemployment rate.
It is important to note that while “percent” and “percentage” are often used interchangeably, “percent” specifically refers to a proportion expressed as a fraction of 100, while “percentage” can refer to any type of proportion.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the correct term when writing is essential to ensure clarity and accuracy. The words percent and percentage are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings and uses. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use these words in a sentence.
How To Use Percent In A Sentence
The term percent is used to express a portion of a whole as a fraction of 100. It is represented by the symbol % and is often used in mathematical and statistical contexts. Here are some examples of how to use percent in a sentence:
- The interest rate on the loan is 5 percent.
- The company’s profits increased by 10 percent last year.
- The survey showed that 60 percent of respondents preferred the new product.
Note that when using percent, it should always be written as one word and not separated into two words (i.e., per cent).
How To Use Percentage In A Sentence
The term percentage is used to express a proportion or rate per hundred. It is often used in non-mathematical contexts to describe a part of a whole. Here are some examples of how to use percentage in a sentence:
- The percentage of students who passed the exam was 85.
- The company’s market share increased by a percentage point last quarter.
- The percentage of women in senior management positions has increased over the past decade.
Note that percentage is often followed by the word of, as it describes a part of a whole. For example, “The percentage of the budget allocated to marketing has increased.”
By using these terms correctly, you can ensure that your writing is clear, accurate, and professional.
More Examples Of Percent & Percentage Used In Sentences
In order to have a better understanding of how to use percent and percentage correctly, let’s take a look at some examples of how they are used in sentences:
Examples Of Using Percent In A Sentence
- Only 20 percent of the students passed the exam.
- The company increased its profits by 10 percent last year.
- He gave me a 15 percent discount on the total price.
- The recipe calls for 2 percent milk.
- The interest rate on the loan is 6 percent.
- The chance of winning the lottery is less than 1 percent.
- The tax rate in this state is 7 percent.
- The doctor said I have a 50 percent chance of recovery.
- She received a pay raise of 3 percent.
- The battery is only charged to 80 percent capacity.
Examples Of Using Percentage In A Sentence
- The percentage of people who smoke has decreased in recent years.
- The percentage of women in the workforce has increased over time.
- He received a bonus based on the percentage of sales he generated.
- The percentage of students who graduate from this school is high.
- The percentage of people who own their homes is declining.
- The percentage of the budget allocated to education is insufficient.
- The percentage of people who are overweight is alarming.
- The percentage of people who have access to clean water is increasing.
- The percentage of people who are unemployed is a concern.
- The percentage of people who are happy with their jobs is surprisingly low.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using percent and percentage, many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably without realizing that they have different meanings. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
1. Using Percent Instead Of Percentage In Formal Writing
While percent and percentage are often used interchangeably in everyday language, it is important to note that in formal writing, they have different uses. Percent is used as a noun or an adjective, while percentage is used as a noun.
For example:
- Incorrect: The percent of people who voted in the election was high.
- Correct: The percentage of people who voted in the election was high.
- Incorrect: He received a high percentage on his exam.
- Correct: He received a high percent on his exam.
To avoid making this mistake, always check the context of your writing and use the appropriate term.
2. Using Percent Instead Of Percentage In Calculations
Another common mistake is using percent instead of percentage in calculations. Percent is a ratio that represents a fraction of 100, while percentage is the result of a calculation.
For example:
- Incorrect: 50 percent of 200 is 100.
- Correct: 50 percentage of 200 is 100.
To avoid this mistake, always use percentage in calculations to ensure accuracy.
3. Using Percent And Percentage Interchangeably In The Same Sentence
Some people use percent and percentage interchangeably in the same sentence, which can cause confusion for the reader. It is best to stick to one term throughout the sentence.
For example:
- Incorrect: The percent of people who voted in the election was high, and the percentage of people who voted in the last election was even higher.
- Correct: The percentage of people who voted in the election was high, and the percentage of people who voted in the last election was even higher.
To avoid this mistake, choose one term and use it consistently throughout the sentence.
4. Using Percent And Percentage Incorrectly In Comparisons
Finally, some people use percent and percentage incorrectly when making comparisons. Percent is used to compare a part to a whole, while percentage is used to compare two or more quantities.
For example:
- Incorrect: The percentage of people who voted in the last election was higher than the percent of people who voted in the current election.
- Correct: The percentage of people who voted in the last election was higher than the percentage of people who voted in the current election.
To avoid this mistake, always consider the context of the comparison and use the appropriate term.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that you are using percent and percentage correctly in your writing and calculations.
Context Matters
Choosing between percent and percentage can depend on the context in which they are used. In some cases, the two terms can be used interchangeably, while in others, one is more appropriate than the other. Understanding the context in which these terms are used is crucial to using them correctly.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Here are some examples of different contexts in which the choice between percent and percentage might change:
- Scientific Writing: In scientific writing, precision and accuracy are essential. In this context, percentage is generally preferred over percent. For example, a scientist might write, “The concentration of the solution was 0.25% (w/v),” but would be more likely to write, “The percentage of the population with the disease was 3.5%.”
- Business Writing: In business writing, the choice between percent and percentage can depend on the style guide being used. Some style guides, such as the Associated Press Stylebook, recommend using percent in all cases. Others, such as the Chicago Manual of Style, recommend using percentage when it is followed by a specific number. For example, a business writer might write, “The company’s profits increased by 10% last quarter,” or “The percentage of employees who participated in the survey was 75%.”
- Mathematics: In mathematics, percent and percentage are used interchangeably. For example, a math teacher might write, “If 20% of the students in a class are absent, how many students are present?” or “What is 75% of 80?”
Understanding the context in which percent and percentage are used is essential to using them correctly. Depending on the context, one term may be more appropriate than the other. By being aware of these differences, you can ensure that your writing is clear, accurate, and professional.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using percent and percentage are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions where they might not apply. Here are some examples:
1. When Using Informal Language
When writing informally, such as in text messages or social media posts, it is common to use the symbol % instead of the word percent or percentage. In these cases, the rules for using percent and percentage do not apply.
2. When Using Specific Terminology
Some fields, such as finance and statistics, have specific terminology that may differ from the general rules for using percent and percentage. For example, in finance, the term “basis point” is used instead of percent to refer to a unit of measurement equal to 1/100th of a percent. In statistics, the term “proportion” is often used instead of percentage to refer to a ratio expressed as a fraction of 1.
3. When Using Non-standard Units
When using non-standard units of measurement, such as parts per million or parts per billion, the rules for using percent and percentage may not apply. In these cases, it is important to use the appropriate unit of measurement and to clearly communicate what it represents.
4. When Using Certain Phrases Or Idioms
Some phrases or idioms use percent or percentage in a non-standard way. For example, the phrase “99 percent of the time” is idiomatic and does not follow the standard rules for using percent and percentage. It is important to be aware of these exceptions and to use them appropriately in context.
Overall, while the rules for using percent and percentage are generally straightforward, it is important to be aware of these exceptions and to use them appropriately in context.
Practice Exercises
One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of percent and percentage is through practice exercises. Here are some exercises that can help:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
| Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|
| John received a ______ on his math test. | percentage |
| Only 20 ______ of the students passed the exam. | percent |
| The ______ of rain today is 60%. | probability |
Explanation: In the first sentence, “percentage” is used because it refers to the specific grade John received. In the second sentence, “percent” is used because it refers to a portion or fraction of the students who passed the exam. In the third sentence, “probability” is used because it refers to the likelihood of rain occurring.
Exercise 2: Converting Percentages
Convert the following percentages to their equivalent fractions and decimals:
- 75%
- 20%
- 125%
Answer:
- 75% = 3/4 = 0.75
- 20% = 1/5 = 0.2
- 125% = 5/4 = 1.25
Explanation: To convert a percentage to a fraction, divide it by 100 and simplify. To convert a percentage to a decimal, divide it by 100.
Exercise 3: Calculating Percentages
Calculate the percentage increase or decrease:
- A shirt originally priced at $20 is now on sale for $16.
- A stock price increased from $50 to $60.
Answer:
- The percentage decrease is 20%. ((20-16)/20) x 100 = 20%
- The percentage increase is 20%. ((60-50)/50) x 100 = 20%
Explanation: To calculate the percentage increase or decrease, subtract the original value from the new value, divide by the original value, and multiply by 100.
By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of percent and percentage in sentences. Remember to pay attention to the context in which these terms are used, and use the appropriate term accordingly.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between percent and percentage, it is clear that these terms are not interchangeable. Percent is used as a noun and adjective, while percentage is only used as a noun. Additionally, percent is used to express a ratio or proportion, while percentage is used to express a specific amount out of 100.
It is important to use these terms correctly in order to effectively communicate in both written and spoken language. Misusing these terms can lead to confusion and misunderstandings.
Key Takeaways:
- Percent and percentage are not interchangeable terms.
- Percent is used as a noun and adjective, while percentage is only used as a noun.
- Percent expresses a ratio or proportion, while percentage expresses a specific amount out of 100.
- Using these terms correctly is important for effective communication.
As with any aspect of grammar and language use, it is always beneficial to continue learning and improving. By expanding your knowledge of language rules and conventions, you can become a more confident and effective communicator. Whether through reading, taking courses, or practicing writing, there are many ways to continue learning and refining your language skills.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.