Percentages show us the progress we’re making with each task or project. They help us determine how much of the task is considered “Done” and how much we still need to do to reach 100%.
But to get these stats, we need to learn how to calculate percentage in Notion. Don’t worry, as this process is straightforward with the help of the tool’s formula capabilities.
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How to Calculate Percentage in Notion
Calculating percentages in Notion isn’t like how you sum a column in the tool. To get the percentage in Notion, you have to have these two essential elements: a database and a “Formula” column.
Adding “number” properties are also prerequisites to calculate percentage in Notion. But this is a more optional step, especially if you’re gauging your progress in the Notion habit tracker you’re using.
Just switch your database to the “Table” view before starting.
Note: For example purposes, I’ll use my writing tasks tracker database.
Method 1: Use “Number” Properties
1. Add “Number” properties to your database.
Do this by clicking the “+” icon after the last property on your database.
Then select the “Number” option and rename the new property accordingly. Repeat the process to add another “Number” property.
2. Type the entries in the cells of the new “Number” properties.
3. Add a “Formula” property.
Follow the same process used in adding the “Number” properties. This time, choose “Formula” instead.
4. Select “Formula” in the “Edit Property” pane.
You can then edit the “Formula” property you added.
5. Type the formula for percentage in the “Formula” field.
Use this formula: prop(“[name of column 1]”) / prop(“[name of column 2]”)
This rounds off the value to the nearest whole number instead of it showing as a decimal number: round(prop(“[name of column 1]”) / prop(“[name of column 2]”) * 100) / 100.
6. Select “Done.”
This button only turns blue if the formula you added is accepted. The percentage value in the “Formula” property you added should now be seen.
If you have used the second formula to round off the answer to a whole number, stop here.
7. Change the number format of the “Formula” property to “Percent.”
The easiest way to do this is to click the “123” button beside the value and select “Percent.”
If you can’t find this button for some reason, click the header name of that column and select “Edit property.”
Then select “Number Format” and choose “Percent” on the dropdown menu.
Select “X” to close the pane for “Edit Property.”
The value should now be seen in percent format. Again, skip this step if you have already added the “round” function in the previous step.
Method 2: Use Non “Number” Properties
Calculating percentages in non-number properties works similarly to making a progress bar in Notion. But to proceed with this method, add a “Formula” property first.
Once done, use this formula:
if(prop(“Progress”) == “1st Property”, [percentage value], if(prop(“Progress”) == “2nd Property”, [percentage value], if(prop(“Progress”) == “3rd Property”, [percentage value], 100, 0)))
The percentage value increases with each property you add, with the last property equalling 100. Then close the formula with parentheses, the number of which depends on how many properties you included.
You’ll then see the value expressed as a whole number in the “Formula” property. Change the number format by selecting the “123” button beside it or clicking the header name > “Edit Property” > “Number format” > “Percentage” method.
Conclusion
With the help of Notion’s formula capabilities, we can now calculate percentages within the tool. Gone are the days you’ll open a separate calculator tool to get the percentage values needed.
Once you master calculating percentages in Notion, you can derive valuable insights and streamline how you work in a snap!