11+ Maths Percentages Practice: A Parent's Guide
21 October 2026
Understanding percentages
Percentages are a way to show parts of a whole, with 100 as the total. The symbol % means 'per hundred'. For example, 40% means 40 out of every 100 equal parts.
Key insight: Many 11+ maths questions ask children to find a percentage of a given amount. This skill is useful for real-life problems too.
Why percentages matter for 11+
Percentages appear in many 11+ topics, including money, measurement, and data. Children are expected to find percentages of amounts, compare percentages, and convert between fractions, decimals and percentages. Practising these skills builds confidence for the exam and beyond.
Worked example
Find 25% of 80
Step 1: Understand that 25% means 25 out of 100, or one quarter.
Step 2: Convert 25% to a fraction or decimal. 25% = 1/4 or 0.25.
Step 3: Multiply the amount by the decimal. 80 × 0.25 = 20.
Step 4: Check your answer by dividing 80 by 4. 80 ÷ 4 = 20.
The correct answer is 20.
How to practise percentages at home
Start with simple percentages like 10%, 25%, 50% and 75%. Use everyday situations, such as working out discounts or sharing food. Encourage your child to explain their steps out loud and check their answers. Regular short practice sessions help build understanding and speed.
