To calculate an average percentage, add the percentage values and divide by the number of percentages only when each percentage has equal importance and is based on a comparable total. When the percentages represent groups of different sizes, combine the underlying amounts or use a weighted average.
Enter a list of numbers to calculate the mean, sum, count, median, mode, range, minimum, and maximum.
A direct mean is suitable only when every percentage contributes equally.
When Can Percentages Be Averaged Directly?
Percentages can be averaged directly when each result has equal importance and represents a comparable measurement.
For example, three equally weighted test percentages may be added and divided by three.
Use the Average Calculator by entering the percentage numbers without their percent signs.
Simple Average Percentage Formula
Add the percentages and divide by the number of percentage values.
This method assumes that every percentage contributes equally.
The result remains a percentage.
Worked Equal-Weight Example
Suppose three scores are 60 percent, 75 percent, and 90 percent.
Their total is 225 percentage points.
Dividing 225 by three gives an average percentage of 75 percent.
Why Different Bases Matter
A percentage describes a part relative to a whole.
Two percentages based on different-sized groups do not necessarily deserve equal influence.
A 90 percent result from 10 observations and a 60 percent result from 1,000 observations should not normally be averaged as if both groups were equal.
Combined Percentage Method
When the underlying totals differ, add the successful amounts and add the total amounts.
Divide the combined successful amount by the combined total, then multiply by 100.
This produces the correct combined percentage.
Worked Example with Unequal Totals
Suppose one group has 9 successes out of 10, which is 90 percent.
Another group has 60 successes out of 100, which is 60 percent.
Together there are 69 successes out of 110, producing approximately 62.73 percent rather than the simple mean of 75 percent.
Weighted Average Percentage
The same unequal-base problem can be handled as a weighted average.
Use each group's total size as its weight.
Read How to Calculate a Weighted Average for the complete method.
Average Percentage for Grades
Direct averaging works when assignments carry equal weight.
When examinations, projects, and assignments have different weights, calculate a weighted grade.
Read How to Calculate an Average Grade for examples.
Percentage Points vs Percentage Change
An increase from 60 percent to 75 percent is an increase of 15 percentage points.
Its relative percentage increase is 25 percent.
These are different measurements and should not be confused when comparing percentage results.
Common Mistakes
Do not average percentages based on very different totals without considering their weights.
Do not include the percent symbol when entering values into a general number calculator.
Do not confuse an average percentage with percentage change.
Conclusion
Average percentages directly only when they have equal importance and comparable bases.
For unequal group sizes, combine the underlying amounts or use a weighted average.
Use the Average Calculator for equal-weight percentages.
FAQs
Can I add percentages and divide by their count?
Yes, when the percentages have equal importance and comparable bases.
What if the group sizes differ?
Combine the underlying amounts or calculate a weighted average.
What is the average of 60, 75, and 90 percent?
Their equal-weight arithmetic mean is 75 percent.
Should I include percent signs in the calculator?
No. Enter the percentage values as ordinary numbers.
Is percentage-point change the same as percentage change?
No. Percentage points measure direct difference, while percentage change is relative to the starting value.