To calculate 20 percent of 80, we first need to understand what percentage means. A percentage is a way to express a value as a fraction of 100. So, 20 percent means 20 out of 100, or 20/100. To find 20 percent of a number, we multiply that number by 20/100 or 0.20.
Calculating 20 Percent of 80

The calculation for 20 percent of 80 involves multiplying 80 by 0.20 (since 20 percent = 20⁄100 = 0.20). This can be represented as: 80 * 0.20 = 16. Therefore, 20 percent of 80 is 16.
Step-by-Step Breakdown
For those who prefer a step-by-step approach or need clarification, here’s how you calculate it:
- First, convert the percentage to a decimal: 20% = 20⁄100 = 0.20
- Then, multiply the number by this decimal: 80 * 0.20
- Perform the multiplication: 80 * 0.20 = 16
| Calculation Component | Value |
|---|---|
| Percentage to Decimal Conversion | 20% = 0.20 |
| Multiplication | 80 * 0.20 = 16 |

Key Points
- To find 20 percent of a number, multiply the number by 0.20.
- The calculation for 20 percent of 80 is 80 * 0.20.
- 20 percent of 80 equals 16.
- Converting percentages to decimals simplifies percentage calculations.
- This method can be applied to find any percentage of any number.
In conclusion, calculating 20 percent of 80 involves a straightforward multiplication process once you've converted the percentage to a decimal. This approach can be generalized to calculate any percentage of any given number, making it a useful mathematical tool for a wide range of applications.
What is the formula to calculate a percentage of a number?
+The formula to calculate a percentage of a number is: (percentage / 100) * number. Alternatively, you can convert the percentage directly to a decimal by dividing by 100 and then multiply by the number.
How do I convert a percentage to a decimal?
+To convert a percentage to a decimal, divide the percentage by 100. For example, 20% becomes 0.20 when converted to a decimal.
What are some common uses of percentage calculations?
+Percentage calculations are commonly used in finance (interest rates, discounts), statistics, and in everyday applications such as calculating tips or understanding nutritional information.