Percent of Percent Calculator
Calculate a percentage of a percentage, such as 20% of 50%, with clear steps and a formula.
Calculate Percentage of a Percentage
How it works
Formula and steps
The formula shows how the percent of percent calculator turns your inputs into the result. Use it to check the calculation, then follow the example steps to see each part of the math.
Formula & steps
Percent of percent formula
R% = (P1 / 100) x P2
Use this when one percentage is applied to another percentage.
R%= Resulting percentageP1= First percentage being appliedP2= Second percentage used as the base- 120 / 100 = 0.2
- 20.2 x 50% = 10%
- 320% of 50% = 10%
Worked examples
What is 20% of 50%?
- 1
Convert the first percent
20 / 100 = 0.20
- 2
Multiply by the base percentage
0.20 x 50% = 10%
- 3
Answer
20% of 50% is 10%
What is 12.5% of 80%?
- 1
Convert the first percent
12.5 / 100 = 0.125
- 2
Multiply by the base percentage
0.125 x 80% = 10%
- 3
Answer
12.5% of 80% is 10%
Common uses
- Nested percentage problems
- Finding a share of a percentage rate
- Combining proportions expressed as percentages
- Checking percentage-of-percentage homework
Common mistakes
- Multiplying 20 by 50 and calling the answer 1,000% instead of converting the first percentage to 0.20.
- Returning 0.10 without labeling whether it is a decimal or 10% as a percentage.
- Confusing percentage of a percentage with percentage change between two values.
Percent of percent guide
How to find a percentage of a percentage
A nested percentage applies one rate to another. Convert the percentage being applied to a decimal, then multiply it by the base percentage.
Multiply the rates correctly
For 20% of 50%, convert 20% to 0.20 and calculate 0.20 x 50% = 10%. The result remains a percentage.
Percent of percent versus percent of a number
Use the regular percentage calculator when the base is a number, such as 20% of 150. Use this page when the base itself is a percentage, such as 20% of 50%.
Calculate a percent of a number →Do not confuse percentage points with percent
A move from 40% to 50% is an increase of 10 percentage points, but a 25% relative increase. Those are different measurements.
Calculate relative percentage change →FAQ
Divide the first percentage by 100, then multiply by the second percentage. For example, 20% of 50% is 0.20 x 50%, which equals 10%.
20% of 50% is 10%. Convert 20% to 0.20, then multiply 0.20 x 50%.
Yes. If one percentage is greater than 100%, the result can be larger than the other percentage. For example, 150% of 80% is 120%.
No. A percent of a percent multiplies two rates. A percentage-point change subtracts one percentage rate from another, such as 50% minus 40% = 10 percentage points.
More Percentage calculators
Browse other categories