Quick Answer
To find the percentage, divide the obtained value by the total value and multiply by 100. For example, if you scored 450 out of 600, your percentage is (450 ÷ 600) × 100 = 75%.
Table of Contents
- What Is Percentage?
- The Percentage Formula
- How to Calculate Percentage — Step by Step
- How to Calculate Percentage of Marks
- 1st, 2nd & 3rd Division Percentage in Pakistan
- Percentage to GPA Conversion
- How to Calculate Percentage Increase and Decrease
- Use Our Free Percentage Calculator
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Percentage?
A percentage is a way of expressing a number as a fraction of 100. The word comes from the Latin per centum, meaning “by the hundred.” When you say 75%, you mean 75 out of every 100.
Percentages are used everywhere — from calculating exam results and discounts to understanding interest rates and tax deductions. In Urdu, percentage is commonly called فیصد (faisad), and the process of calculating it is known as percentage nikalny ka tarika.
The Percentage Formula
The basic formula to find percentage is:
This formula works for marks, money, weight, or any measurable quantity. As long as you have two numbers — a part and a whole — you can find the percentage.
How to Calculate Percentage — Step by Step
Follow these three steps to calculate any percentage:
- Identify the values. Determine the obtained value (part) and the total value (whole).
- Divide. Divide the obtained value by the total value. This gives you a decimal.
- Multiply by 100. Multiply the decimal by 100 to convert it into a percentage.
Example 1 — Simple Calculation
You scored 42 out of 50 in a quiz.
Percentage = (42 ÷ 50) × 100 = 84%
Example 2 — Board Exam Marks
You got 870 marks out of 1100 in your intermediate exam.
Percentage = (870 ÷ 1100) × 100 = 79.09%
Example 3 — Finding a Percentage of a Number
What is 15% of 2000?
Answer = (15 ÷ 100) × 2000 = 300
How to Calculate Percentage of Marks
Calculating the percentage of marks is the most common use of this formula in Pakistan, whether for matric, intermediate, or university results.
Matric Example (SSC)
Total marks: 1050 | Obtained: 890
Percentage = (890 ÷ 1050) × 100 = 84.76%
Intermediate Example (HSSC)
Total marks: 1100 | Obtained: 745
Percentage = (745 ÷ 1100) × 100 = 67.73%
This same method applies whether you are checking your percentage for MDCAT eligibility, scholarship applications, or merit lists. The formula for percentage of marks remains the same regardless of the board or institution — just plug in your obtained and total marks.
1st, 2nd & 3rd Division Percentage in Pakistan
In Pakistan’s board examination system, results are classified into divisions based on the percentage scored. Here is the standard division breakdown used by most BISE (Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education) boards:
| Division | Percentage Range | Grade Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Division | 60% and above | A-1 to B |
| 2nd Division | 45% to 59.99% | C to D |
| 3rd Division | 33% to 44.99% | E |
| Fail | Below 33% | F |
For example, if a student scores 550 out of 1100 in their FA/FSc exam, their percentage is 50% — which falls in the 2nd division.
Some boards also award Distinction for students scoring 80% or above, though this is not an official division — it is an honorary classification.
Percentage to GPA Conversion
Many Pakistani universities and scholarship programs require your percentage converted to GPA (Grade Point Average). The HEC (Higher Education Commission) Pakistan uses a standard conversion scale:
| Percentage Range | GPA (on 4.0 Scale) | Letter Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 90% – 100% | 4.0 | A+ |
| 85% – 89% | 3.7 | A |
| 80% – 84% | 3.3 | A- |
| 75% – 79% | 3.0 | B+ |
| 70% – 74% | 2.7 | B |
| 65% – 69% | 2.3 | B- |
| 60% – 64% | 2.0 | C+ |
| 55% – 59% | 1.7 | C |
| 50% – 54% | 1.3 | C- |
| Below 50% | 1.0 or below | D / F |
To convert your percentage to GPA, locate your percentage range in the table above. For example, if your percentage is 78%, your approximate GPA is 3.0 (B+).
Keep in mind that individual universities may use slightly different scales. Always check with your institution’s academic office for their specific conversion criteria.
How to Calculate Percentage Increase and Decrease
Percentage change is useful for comparing salaries, prices, or any value that changes over time.
Percentage Increase Formula
Example: Your salary went from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 58,000.
Increase = ((58,000 − 50,000) ÷ 50,000) × 100 = 16%
Percentage Decrease Formula
Example: A product’s price dropped from Rs. 1,200 to Rs. 1,000.
Decrease = ((1,200 − 1,000) ÷ 1,200) × 100 = 16.67%
Use Our Free Percentage Calculator
Don’t want to do the math manually? Use our free percentage calculator to instantly find percentages, calculate marks percentage, or convert between percentage and GPA.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do we find percentage of marks?
Divide your obtained marks by the total marks and multiply by 100. For example, 720 out of 1100 = (720 ÷ 1100) × 100 = 65.45%.
What is the formula to calculate percentage?
The formula is: Percentage = (Part ÷ Whole) × 100. This works for marks, discounts, salary hikes, and any other calculation.
Percentage kaise nikalte hain? (فیصد کیسے نکالتے ہیں؟)
Haasil marks ko total marks se divide karein aur 100 se multiply karein. Misal ke taur par, agar aap ne 450 marks 600 mein se hasil kiye, to: (450 ÷ 600) × 100 = 75% ban jayega.
What is 1st division percentage in Pakistan?
1st division means scoring 60% or above in board exams. Most BISE boards in Pakistan follow this standard.
How to convert percentage to GPA in Pakistan?
Use the HEC conversion scale. Generally, 80–84% = 3.3 GPA, 75–79% = 3.0 GPA, 70–74% = 2.7 GPA. Check the full table in our GPA conversion section above.
What percentage is needed for MDCAT eligibility?
Most medical colleges in Pakistan require a minimum of 60% in FSc (pre-medical) to be eligible for MDCAT. However, merit cutoffs are usually much higher — often above 85%.