How to Show Percentages in Excel

Last Updated: March 30, 2020

This wikiHow teaches you how to convert numbers to percentages in Microsoft Excel. You can re-format existing values to percentages, or you can pre-format cells before adding values.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:
Formatting a Filled Cell

1
Select the filled cell or cells you wish to convert to a percentage. The filled value must be a number or formula.
- When converted to a percentage, Excel will multiply this number by 100 and add a percentage symbol (%). For example:
  - 1 will format to 100%
  - 10 will format to 1000%
  - .01 will format to 1%
  - 1/5 will format to 20%
2
Click the Home tab. This is in the top-left corner of the application.

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3
Click the % percentage button. This is in the toolbar section labeled "Number".
- Alternatively, hold down Ctrl + ⇧ Shift + % to convert the value.
- The number will automatically convert to a percentage.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:
Formatting a Blank Cell

1
Select the blank cell or cells you wish to convert to a percentage. The percentage will auto-format after a value is entered.
- When converted to a percentage, numbers smaller than 1 will be multiplied by 100; numbers equal to and greater than 1 are converted directly to their percentage^{[1]
  X
  Research source}.
  - 1 and .01 will both format to 1%
  - 10 and .1 will both format to 10%
  - 100 will format to 100%
  - 1/5 will format to 20%
2
Click the Home tab. This is in the top left.
3
Click the % percentage button. This is toolbar section labeled "Number".
- Alternatively, hold down Ctrl + ⇧ Shift + % to format the cell(s).
4
Enter a number or formula into the cell. The number will automatically convert to a percentage.

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