Percentages of amounts: what children learn
In this 90-second sprint, questions use 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 50% and 75% of amounts up to 400. Every answer is a whole number, so children can focus on the method. They type each answer and get instant feedback.
Supports part of Common Core 6.RP.A.3.c. This focused game does not cover the entire standard.
Common Core connection: 6.RP.A.3.c. This is focused practice for part of the standard.
How to play
How many can you answer in 90 seconds? Type the answer and press Enter. Questions keep coming for 90 seconds. Type each answer and press Enter, or choose Skip. Answers can be typed with or without commas.
Step by step
- Find 10% by dividing by 10. 10% of 360 = 360 ÷ 10 = 36.
- Find 1% by dividing by 100. 1% of 300 = 300 ÷ 100 = 3.
- Build other percentages from these. 5% is half of 10%. 20% is double 10%. 15% is 10% + 5%. So 15% of 360 = 36 + 18 = 54.
- Use fractions for the common ones. 50% is ½, 25% is ¼ and 75% is ¾. 75% of 80 = ¾ of 80 = 60.
Worked examples
Example 1: 15% of 360 = ?
Working: 10% is 36 and 5% is 18. 36 + 18 = 54.
Answer: 54
Example 2: 75% of 120 = ?
Working: 25% is a quarter: 120 ÷ 4 = 30. 75% is three of those: 90.
Answer: 90
Example 3: 5% of 260 = ?
Working: 10% is 26, so 5% is half of that.
Answer: 13
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Dividing by the percentage: 20% of 80 worked out as 80 ÷ 20 = 4. Find 10% (8), then double it (16). Check: 20% is a fifth, and a fifth of 80 is 16.
- Finding 10% correctly but forgetting to add the 5% for 15%. Write the parts down: 10% = ?, 5% = ?, total = ?
- Confusing 'percentage of' with 'percentage off'. '20% off $50' means take 20% ($10) away, leaving $40. '20% of $50' is just $10.
Activities to try at home
- Work out sale prices in shops or online: what is 25% off $36?
- Calculate a 10% tip on a restaurant bill.
- Turn test scores into percentages: 18 out of 20 is 90%.
Ideas for the classroom
- Make a 'percentage ladder' for an amount: 1%, 5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%.
- Compare deals: is 30% off $60 better than $15 off?
- Link to pie charts: 25% of 360° is 90°.
Free printable game and worksheet
The free printable starts with a game sheet, such as a color-by-answer picture, an answer maze or a secret-code joke, followed by a worksheet. Both use the same checked questions as the online game, and the answers are on the last page. Print it, or save it as a PDF from your browser’s print menu.
Open the free printable game and worksheet
Frequently asked questions
What is the quickest way to find a percentage of an amount?
Start from 10% (divide by 10) and 1% (divide by 100), then build up. For 50%, 25% and 75%, use halves and quarters.
How should I choose this game for my learner?
Supports part of Common Core 6.RP.A.3.c. This focused game does not cover the entire standard.
What is the US equivalent?
Common Core 6.RP.A.3.c (Grade 6): find a percent of a quantity as a rate per 100.