How to Automatically Calculate the Percentage in an Excel Spreadsheet – 2 Methods

Method 1 – Using an Excel Formula to Automatically Calculate the Percentage

1.1 Using the Conventional Percentage Formula

The dataset showcases the total number of COVID-affected patients and the number of deaths in America.

Steps:

• Select C8.
• Double-click the cell and enter the following formula:

• Press Enter.
• A decimal number is displayed in C8.
• Format the value.

• Select C8, and go to the Home tab.
• Select Number and click % .

• The value is in percentage format.
• Change the number of decimal points by clicking the increase/decrease decimal button below %.

1.2 Applying the Excel IFERROR Function

The dataset showcases the exam mark sheet of four students.

Steps:

• There are 2 cells with a value of 0.
• Double-click E5 and enter the following formula:

• Press Enter to see the result.
• Drag down the Fill Handle.

This is the output.

1.3 Calculating the Percent Increase or Decrease Automatically

Steps:

• Select E5 and use the following formula:

• Press Enter to see the result.
• Drag down the Fill Handle.

This is the output.

• The minus sign in E8 shows a decrease in salary.

Method 2 – Auto Calculating Percentage of Contiguous Cells in an Excel Spreadsheet Using Absolute Reference

Steps:

• Click D5 and use this formula:

• You can also press F4 to enter the dollar sign in C9.

• Press Enter to see the result.
• Format the decimal places.

• Drag down the Fill Handle.
• The second cell reference is in C9 for all the cells below.

This is the output.

Read More: How to Add a Percentage to a Number in Excel

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