What is the difference between a percentage and a percentile?

A percentage represents a part of a whole, while a percentile indicates a value's position within a data set.

Percentages are used to express how large or small one quantity is relative to another quantity. They are calculated by dividing the part by the whole and then multiplying by 100. For example, if you scored 75 out of 100 on a test, your score would be 75%. Percentages are useful in a variety of contexts, such as calculating discounts, analysing survey results, or understanding population growth.

On the other hand, percentiles are used to compare and rank data points within a data set. A percentile indicates the relative standing of a value compared to other values in the data set. For instance, if you are in the 90th percentile in a test, it means you scored better than 90% of the other test-takers. Percentiles are particularly useful in fields like education and health, where they help to understand how an individual compares to a larger group.

In geography, percentages might be used to describe the proportion of land used for agriculture, the percentage of urban versus rural population, or the amount of rainfall received in a particular area. Percentiles, however, could be used to analyse data such as income distribution, where you might want to know what income level separates the top 10% of earners from the rest.

Understanding the difference between percentages and percentiles is crucial for interpreting data accurately. While percentages give you a sense of proportion, percentiles help you understand relative standing within a group. Both are valuable tools for analysing and presenting data in geography and other subjects.