Author
Home > Education > What is the Difference Between Percentile and Percentage?

Guilherme Mazui

•3 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Percentile and Percentage?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The key difference between percentage and percentile lies in their purpose and interpretation:

  • Percentage: A percentage is a mathematical value expressed out of a total of 100. It is used to compare quantities and represents a specific portion of a whole. For example, if a student scored 80% on a test, it means they correctly answered 80 out of 100 questions.
  • Percentile: A percentile is a relative value that indicates the position or rank of a specific value within a distribution. It is used to compare the performance of individuals in relation to a group. For example, if a student scored in the 80th percentile on a test, it means they performed better than 80% of the other test-takers.

In summary:

  • Percentage is a mathematical unit of measurement that displays the answer out of a total of 100.
  • Percentile is a measure used in statistics that indicates the relative value, helping in understanding the position or rank of a specific value.
On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Percentile and Percentage?
  • Comparative Table: Percentile vs Percentage

    • Comparative Table: Percentile vs Percentage

    Here is a table that highlights the differences between percentage and percentile:

    Feature Percentage Percentile
    Definition A number or ratio expressed in terms of 100. A measure used in statistics which indicates the relative value.
    Purpose Shows the rate, number, or amount. Indicates the position or standing of a person.
    Expression Can be expressed in decimals. Cannot be expressed in decimals.
    Focus Individual performance. Relative performance.
    Comparison Does not help to compare the given value with the rest of the data. Helps to compare the given value with the rest of the data.
    Calculation Calculated by dividing the given value by the total value and multiplying it by 100. Calculated by finding the percentage of scores that fall at or below a certain point.

    In summary, percentage is a way of expressing a part of a whole as a fraction of 100, while percentile is a way of dividing a data set into 100 equal parts and indicating the relative position of a score within that dataset.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.