How do you convert a test score like 18/25 into a percentage?
I received my test score back and it's 18 out of 25. I need to figure out what this is as a percentage, but I'm a bit confused about the correct way to calculate it.
What is the formula or the steps to turn a fraction like 18/25 into a percentage? An explanation of why the method works would be really helpful too.
3 Answers
Hi Alex, this is a very common question! The most straightforward way to calculate a percentage is to use this formula:
(Your Score / Total Possible Score) * 100 = Percentage
Let's apply it to your score:
- First, divide your score by the total. This gives you a decimal value: `18 ÷ 25 = 0.72`
- Then, multiply that decimal by 100 to convert it into a percentage: `0.72 * 100 = 72`
So, your score is 72%. This formula works for any score.
Another way to think about it, especially for a number like 25, is to convert the fraction to be out of 100. A percentage is literally "per cent," or "out of one hundred."
Your score is the fraction 18/25.
You want to know what the top number would be if the bottom number was 100.
To get from 25 to 100, you have to multiply by 4. So, you just have to do the same thing to the top number:
18 * 4 = 72
This means that 18/25 is the same as 72/100, which is 72%. This is a great mental math trick when the total score is a factor of 100 (like 10, 20, 25, or 50).
Simple way: Think of each point being worth a certain percentage.
Since the total is 25, you can find out how many percentage points each question is worth.
100% / 25 points = 4% per point.
Now just multiply your score by that value:
18 points * 4% = 72%
This works well for tests with nice round numbers.