Comments on: Percentage and Percentile

By: Bruce Martin

Bruce Martin — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 20:01:49 +0000

I found this werbsite looking for a generally recognised symbol for percentile. This is exactly to avoid the confusdion so many have between percent and percentile.

Currently I am using “%ile ” as a means of indicating it, however it would be nice if there was a language independent symbol that was globally recognised and could be or is included in most trutype fonts for the purpose.

Alternatively, if this is not feasible, a new graphic (perhaps this is truly a glyph) may have to be created and implemented in the Open Symbol font so as to be totally free of any intellectual property claims or encumberments.

By: Ashwini

Ashwini — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:53:37 +0000

how to convert percentages to percentile?

By: Maeve

Maeve — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 17:02:07 +0000

Jay, Thanks for the kind words and the word/symbol tip. You and other readers may find the Wikipedia article on Percentage of interest: the section headed Word and symbol.

By: Jay Wagers

Jay Wagers — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 12:29:01 +0000

Very good points, indeed. I think it is also important for writers to know when to and when not to use the % sign.

“Percent” should always be written out in documents.

The “%” sign is reserved for business presentations and visuals.

You provide great tips, as always. That’s why I like to check in “daily.”