It makes sense to calculate their percentage overages next. Using the same math, the materials cost was 5.4% over budget, and the equipment rental was 4.7% over budget.

On a calculator, for the fishing rod example, you’d put in 130, then the calculator’s multiplication sign (usually x or *), then a decimal point, then the percentage you have to pay.

Read latest news today, breaking news headlines, Top news. Discover national and international news on economy, politics, defence, sports, science, environment and more on The Economic Times.

We want to calculate the percentage of annual decline. First, we divide the most current revenue number by the beginning revenue number, $10 million divided by $15 million. That comes to 0.667.

To calculate this, take the numerator (top) of the fraction and use it to divide the denominator (bottom). If a fraction is 10/100, 100 divided by 10 is 10, making the percentage 10 percent.

For example, if you started out at 250 pounds and recently lost 10 pounds, you would calculate weight loss percentage like this: 10/250 x 100. This would show you that you've lost 4% of your weight.

The article How to Calculate the Percentage of Bad Debt originally appeared on Fool.com. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days.

It makes sense to calculate their percentage overages next. Using the same math, the materials cost was 5.4% over budget, and the equipment rental was 4.7% over budget.