Google Sheets is a powerful and versatile spreadsheet software that offers a wide range of features and tools to help users manage and analyze data. One of the most common tasks that users perform in Google Sheets is calculating percentages. Percentages are an essential part of data analysis, and they can be used to express a value as a fraction of a whole. In this blog post, we will explore the different ways to make numbers percentages in Google Sheets, including using formulas, formatting cells, and using built-in functions.
Calculating percentages is an essential skill in data analysis, and it can be used in a variety of contexts, such as finance, marketing, and science. Percentages can be used to express a value as a fraction of a whole, making it easier to compare and understand data. For example, if you want to express a value as a percentage of a total, you can use a percentage formula to calculate the percentage. Similarly, if you want to express a value as a percentage of a target value, you can use a percentage formula to calculate the percentage.
In Google Sheets, you can calculate percentages using formulas, formatting cells, and built-in functions. Formulas are the most common way to calculate percentages in Google Sheets, and they can be used to calculate percentages of a total, a target value, or a percentage change. Formatting cells is another way to display percentages in Google Sheets, and it can be used to format cells as percentages, decimals, or currency. Built-in functions are also available in Google Sheets to calculate percentages, including the PERCENTAGE function and the PERCENTRANK function.
Calculating Percentages Using Formulas
Formulas are the most common way to calculate percentages in Google Sheets. You can use a variety of formulas to calculate percentages, including the PERCENTAGE function, the PERCENTRANK function, and the percentage formula.
The Percentage Formula
The percentage formula is a simple formula that can be used to calculate a percentage of a total. The formula is:
| Formula | Description |
|---|---|
| (Value / Total) * 100 | This formula calculates a percentage of a total by dividing the value by the total and multiplying the result by 100. |
For example, if you want to calculate a percentage of a total, you can use the following formula:
(100 / 500) * 100 = 20%
This formula calculates 20% of a total of 500.
The PERCENTAGE Function
The PERCENTAGE function is a built-in function in Google Sheets that can be used to calculate a percentage of a total. The function is:
PERCENTAGE(number, base)
This function calculates a percentage of a total by dividing the number by the base and multiplying the result by 100.
For example, if you want to calculate a percentage of a total, you can use the following formula:
PERCENTAGE(100, 500) = 20%
This formula calculates 20% of a total of 500. (See Also: How to Write Scripts in Google Sheets? Unleash Automation)
The PERCENTRANK Function
The PERCENTRANK function is a built-in function in Google Sheets that can be used to calculate a percentage rank. The function is:
PERCENTRANK(array, value)
This function calculates a percentage rank by dividing the value by the maximum value in the array and multiplying the result by 100.
For example, if you want to calculate a percentage rank, you can use the following formula:
PERCENTRANK({10, 20, 30, 40, 50}, 30) = 60%
This formula calculates a percentage rank of 60% for the value 30 in the array {10, 20, 30, 40, 50}.
Formatting Cells as Percentages
Formatting cells as percentages is another way to display percentages in Google Sheets. You can format cells as percentages, decimals, or currency using the Number format option in the Format menu.
Formatting Cells as Percentages
To format cells as percentages, follow these steps:
- Select the cells you want to format as percentages.
- Go to the Format menu and select Number.
- In the Number format dialog box, select Percentage from the list of formats.
- Click OK to apply the format.
For example, if you want to format a cell as a percentage, you can follow these steps:
1. Select the cell you want to format as a percentage.
2. Go to the Format menu and select Number.
3. In the Number format dialog box, select Percentage from the list of formats. (See Also: How to Create a Database in Google Sheets? Efficiently Organized)
4. Click OK to apply the format.
The cell will now be formatted as a percentage.
Using Built-in Functions to Calculate Percentages
Built-in functions are also available in Google Sheets to calculate percentages. The PERCENTAGE function and the PERCENTRANK function are two examples of built-in functions that can be used to calculate percentages.
The PERCENTAGE Function
The PERCENTAGE function is a built-in function in Google Sheets that can be used to calculate a percentage of a total. The function is:
PERCENTAGE(number, base)
This function calculates a percentage of a total by dividing the number by the base and multiplying the result by 100.
For example, if you want to calculate a percentage of a total, you can use the following formula:
PERCENTAGE(100, 500) = 20%
This formula calculates 20% of a total of 500.
The PERCENTRANK Function
The PERCENTRANK function is a built-in function in Google Sheets that can be used to calculate a percentage rank. The function is:
PERCENTRANK(array, value)
This function calculates a percentage rank by dividing the value by the maximum value in the array and multiplying the result by 100.
For example, if you want to calculate a percentage rank, you can use the following formula:
PERCENTRANK({10, 20, 30, 40, 50}, 30) = 60%
This formula calculates a percentage rank of 60% for the value 30 in the array {10, 20, 30, 40, 50}.
Conclusion
In conclusion, calculating percentages is an essential skill in data analysis, and it can be used in a variety of contexts, such as finance, marketing, and science. In Google Sheets, you can calculate percentages using formulas, formatting cells, and built-in functions. Formulas are the most common way to calculate percentages in Google Sheets, and they can be used to calculate percentages of a total, a target value, or a percentage change. Formatting cells is another way to display percentages in Google Sheets, and it can be used to format cells as percentages, decimals, or currency. Built-in functions are also available in Google Sheets to calculate percentages, including the PERCENTAGE function and the PERCENTRANK function.
Recap
Here is a recap of the key points discussed in this blog post:
- Calculating percentages is an essential skill in data analysis.
- Formulas are the most common way to calculate percentages in Google Sheets.
- Formatting cells is another way to display percentages in Google Sheets.
- Built-in functions are also available in Google Sheets to calculate percentages.
- The PERCENTAGE function and the PERCENTRANK function are two examples of built-in functions that can be used to calculate percentages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I calculate a percentage of a total in Google Sheets?
To calculate a percentage of a total in Google Sheets, you can use the formula (Value / Total) * 100. Alternatively, you can use the PERCENTAGE function, which is a built-in function in Google Sheets.
How do I format cells as percentages in Google Sheets?
To format cells as percentages in Google Sheets, you can go to the Format menu and select Number. In the Number format dialog box, select Percentage from the list of formats. Click OK to apply the format.
What is the difference between the PERCENTAGE function and the PERCENTRANK function in Google Sheets?
The PERCENTAGE function calculates a percentage of a total by dividing the number by the base and multiplying the result by 100. The PERCENTRANK function calculates a percentage rank by dividing the value by the maximum value in the array and multiplying the result by 100.
Can I use the PERCENTAGE function to calculate a percentage change?
No, the PERCENTAGE function cannot be used to calculate a percentage change. To calculate a percentage change, you can use the formula ((New Value – Old Value) / Old Value) * 100.
How do I use the PERCENTRANK function to calculate a percentage rank?
To use the PERCENTRANK function to calculate a percentage rank, you can enter the following formula: PERCENTRANK(array, value). This function calculates a percentage rank by dividing the value by the maximum value in the array and multiplying the result by 100.