noun

percentage

An amount expressed as a number out of one hundred.

The chart shows the percentage of students who walk to school.

Etymology

Per cent means by the hundred. The noun ending makes percentage the amount calculated on that hundred-part basis.

More examples

  • To find the percentage, multiply the fraction by 100.
  • What percentage of your income goes toward rent?
  • The percentages in this column add up to 100.

Forms

percentage · percentages

Similar words

proportion
A share of a whole, not necessarily expressed per hundred.
ratio
Compares two quantities without requiring a total of one hundred.