How to Find a Percent of a Whole Number

Is this your first time in a 6th-grade classroom? Or perhaps you are coming back to this grade level after a break? One of the skills students need to master at this level is how to find the percentage of a whole number. To find a percent of a whole number, multiply the whole number by the percent (expressed as a decimal). For example, to find 20% of 100, you would multiply 100 by 0.20 (20% expressed as a decimal). The answer would be 20.

Look no further if you are looking for a set of word problems to use during your percentages unit! Teach Starter has created a set of 24 task cards that your students can use to practice this skill. 

These task cards are designed to help students understand and practice finding the percentage of a whole number. Each card includes a problem requiring students to multiply a whole number by a percent (expressed as a decimal) to find the answer. The problems range in difficulty, with some involving simple whole numbers and others requiring students to work with larger numbers and decimals. These task cards can be used in a variety of settings, such as small-group instruction, independent practice, or as an assessment tool. They are a great way for students to improve their understanding of basic math concepts and develop their problem-solving skills.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your math lessons.

In addition to individual student work time, use this set of task cards to enhance learning through guided math groups, whole class lessons, or remote learning assignments. 

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

For students who need additional support, provide them with a multiplication chart to help with basic facts. Additionally, invite students to reference anchor charts and posters to help students recall the steps of multiplying multi-digit numbers.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

If there are students who need a bit of a challenge, encourage them to write their own word problems where they must find the percent of a number.

🛴 Scoot Activity 

Place the cards around the room in numerical order and give each student a recording sheet. Assign students or pairs to a starting point card. Give students time to review the card and record their answer in the corresponding space on their paper. Students will rotate to the next card when you say, “SCOOT!” Continue in this manner until students return to their starting point. 

👋 Exit Ticket 

Use these cards as a formative assessment after your lesson. Pick a random assortment of cards and project them on the board for the whole class to see. Students can record their answers on a sheet of paper, sticky note, or their notebook. 

Check out some of our additional resources that cover finding the percent of a number!

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or editable Google Slides version of this resource. A recording sheet and answer key are also included with this download.

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

To keep the task cards out of pockets or under desks, punch a hole in the corner of each to place them on a binder ring. 

Sustainability Tip: Print a few recording sheets on cardstock and slip them into dry-erase sleeves. Students can record their answers with a whiteboard marker, then erase and reuse them.  

This resource was created by Cassandra Friesen, a teacher in Colorado and Teach Starter Collaborator. 

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities and resources that cut down on lesson planning time:

teaching resource

Percent of a Number Task Cards

Teach 6th graders how to calculate the percent of a number with this set of 24 task cards.

teaching resource

Percent of a Number – Match-Up Activity

Practice how to find the percent of a number with this match-up activity.

teaching resource

Percent of a Number – Worksheet

Practice calculating the percent of a quantity with this worksheet.