Are you tired of manually calculating percentages in Google Sheets? Do you want to automate this process and save time for more important tasks? If yes, then you’re in the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to get percentages in Google Sheets using various formulas and techniques. We’ll also cover some advanced topics, such as using Google Sheets functions and creating custom formulas. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to calculate percentages in Google Sheets like a pro.
Why is it Important to Calculate Percentages in Google Sheets?
Calculating percentages is an essential task in many industries, including finance, marketing, and education. In Google Sheets, you can use percentages to analyze data, make predictions, and create reports. For example, you can use percentages to calculate the percentage of sales growth, the percentage of customers who have purchased a product, or the percentage of students who have passed a test. By calculating percentages, you can gain valuable insights into your data and make informed decisions.
Additionally, calculating percentages in Google Sheets can save you time and reduce errors. Instead of manually calculating percentages using a calculator or spreadsheet software, you can use Google Sheets formulas to automate this process. This can be especially useful if you have large datasets or need to calculate percentages frequently.
Basic Formulas for Calculating Percentages in Google Sheets
There are several basic formulas you can use to calculate percentages in Google Sheets. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Percentage Formula: =(value1 – value2) / value1 * 100
- Percentage Change Formula: =(value2 – value1) / value1 * 100
- Percentage of Total Formula: =(value1 / total) * 100
Here’s an example of how you can use these formulas in Google Sheets:
| Formula | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| =(value1 – value2) / value1 * 100 | Calculate the percentage difference between two values. | = (100 – 50) / 100 * 100 = 50% |
| =(value2 – value1) / value1 * 100 | Calculate the percentage change between two values. | = (50 – 100) / 100 * 100 = -50% |
| =(value1 / total) * 100 | Calculate the percentage of a value relative to a total. | = (20 / 100) * 100 = 20% |
Using Google Sheets Functions to Calculate Percentages
Google Sheets has several built-in functions that you can use to calculate percentages. Here are some of the most common ones:
- PERCENTAGE: Returns the percentage of a value relative to a total.
- PERCENTILE: Returns the percentage rank of a value in a dataset.
- PERCENTILE.INC: Returns the percentage rank of a value in a dataset, ignoring any missing values.
Here’s an example of how you can use these functions in Google Sheets:
PERCENTAGE:
=PERCENTAGE(value1, total)
This function returns the percentage of value1 relative to total.
PERCENTILE:
=PERCENTILE(array, k)
This function returns the percentage rank of the k-th largest value in the array. (See Also: How to Add Dropdowns in Google Sheets? Simplify Data Entry)
PERCENTILE.INC:
=PERCENTILE.INC(array, k)
This function returns the percentage rank of the k-th largest value in the array, ignoring any missing values.
Creating Custom Formulas to Calculate Percentages
You can also create custom formulas to calculate percentages in Google Sheets. Here are some examples:
Custom Formula 1: Calculate the percentage of sales growth
=((sales2 - sales1) / sales1) * 100
This formula calculates the percentage change in sales between two periods.
Custom Formula 2: Calculate the percentage of customers who have purchased a product
=((customers_purchased / total_customers) * 100)
This formula calculates the percentage of customers who have purchased a product relative to the total number of customers.
Advanced Techniques for Calculating Percentages in Google Sheets
There are several advanced techniques you can use to calculate percentages in Google Sheets. Here are some examples:
Using Array Formulas: You can use array formulas to calculate percentages for multiple values at once. (See Also: How to Check Repeated Data in Google Sheets? Easy Steps Revealed)
Using Conditional Statements: You can use conditional statements to calculate percentages based on certain conditions.
Using Functions with Multiple Arguments: You can use functions with multiple arguments to calculate percentages for multiple values at once.
Here’s an example of how you can use these techniques in Google Sheets:
Using Array Formulas:
=ArrayFormula(((sales2 - sales1) / sales1) * 100)
This formula calculates the percentage change in sales for multiple values at once.
Using Conditional Statements:
=IF(sales2 > sales1, ((sales2 - sales1) / sales1) * 100, 0)
This formula calculates the percentage change in sales only if the sales in the second period are greater than the sales in the first period.
Using Functions with Multiple Arguments:
=PERCENTAGE(sales1, sales2, total)
This formula calculates the percentage of sales1 relative to the total sales, using sales2 as the denominator.
Recap and Key Points
In this article, we’ve covered the basics of calculating percentages in Google Sheets, including basic formulas, Google Sheets functions, and custom formulas. We’ve also covered advanced techniques, such as using array formulas, conditional statements, and functions with multiple arguments. By following these techniques, you can calculate percentages in Google Sheets like a pro.
Here are the key points to remember:
- Use basic formulas to calculate percentages, such as percentage formula, percentage change formula, and percentage of total formula.
- Use Google Sheets functions, such as PERCENTAGE, PERCENTILE, and PERCENTILE.INC, to calculate percentages.
- Create custom formulas to calculate percentages, such as calculating the percentage of sales growth or the percentage of customers who have purchased a product.
- Use advanced techniques, such as array formulas, conditional statements, and functions with multiple arguments, to calculate percentages for multiple values at once or based on certain conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the difference between percentage formula and percentage change formula?
A: The percentage formula calculates the percentage of a value relative to a total, while the percentage change formula calculates the percentage change between two values.
Q: How do I use the PERCENTAGE function in Google Sheets?
A: To use the PERCENTAGE function, simply enter the formula =PERCENTAGE(value1, total) and press enter. This function returns the percentage of value1 relative to total.
Q: Can I use array formulas to calculate percentages for multiple values at once?
A: Yes, you can use array formulas to calculate percentages for multiple values at once. Simply enter the formula =ArrayFormula(((sales2 – sales1) / sales1) * 100) and press enter.
Q: How do I use conditional statements to calculate percentages based on certain conditions?
A: To use conditional statements, simply enter the formula =IF(sales2 > sales1, ((sales2 – sales1) / sales1) * 100, 0) and press enter. This formula calculates the percentage change in sales only if the sales in the second period are greater than the sales in the first period.
Q: Can I use functions with multiple arguments to calculate percentages for multiple values at once?
A: Yes, you can use functions with multiple arguments to calculate percentages for multiple values at once. Simply enter the formula =PERCENTAGE(sales1, sales2, total) and press enter. This formula calculates the percentage of sales1 relative to the total sales, using sales2 as the denominator.