Step-by-Step Calculation
- Sort the data set from smallest to largest.
- Count how many values fall below your target value.
- Divide that count by the total number of values and multiply by 100.
Worked Example
In a class of 50 students, your score is higher than 42 of them.
Percentile = (42/50) × 100 = 84th percentile
This means you scored better than 84% of your classmates, regardless of your raw percentage score.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a higher percentile always mean a higher raw score?
Within the same data set, yes — but percentiles aren't directly comparable across different tests or populations unless the underlying data set is identical.
What percentile is the median?
The median is always the 50th percentile by definition — exactly half the data falls below it and half falls above.
