Section 2: Percentage and Calendar Functions 29
the percent difference is called the markup; if the base number entered is the
retail cost, the percent difference is called the margin. Examples of markup and
margin calculations are included in the HP 12C Platinum Solutions Handbook.
Percent of Total
In RPN mode, to calculate what percentage one number is of another:
1. Calculate the total amount by adding the individual amounts, just as in a
chain arithmetic calculation.
2. Key in the number whose percentage equivalent you wish to find.
3. Press Z.
Example: Last month, your company posted sales of $3.92 million in the U.S.,
$2.36 million in Europe, and $1.67 million in the rest of the world. What
percentage of the total sales occurred in Europe?
The HP 12C Platinum holds the total amount inside after a percent of total is
calculated. Therefore, to calculate what percentage another amount is of the
total:
1. Clear the display by pressing O.
2. Key in that amount.
3. Press Z again.
For example, to calculate what percent of the total sales in the preceding
example occurred in the U.S. and what percent occurred in the rest of the world:
Keystrokes (RPN mode) Display
3.92\
3.92
Keys in the first number and
separates it from the second.
2.36+
6.28
Adds the second number.
1.67+
7.95
Adds the third number to get the
total.
2.36
2.36
Keys in 2.36 to find what
percentage it is of the number in the
display.
Z
29.69
Europe had nearly 30% of the total
sales.
Keystrokes (RPN mode) Display
O3.92Z
49.31
The U.S. had about 49% of the total
sales.
O1.67 Z
21.01
The rest of the world had about
21% of the total sales.
