Percent sign in LaTeX (\%)

Where it is used

Escaped percent sign: prints % instead of starting a LaTeX comment.

In LaTeX, a bare % comments out the rest of the line, a classic source of vanishing text, so every percentage needs \%. It works in text and math mode, as in a 5\% interest rate or r = 3.5\%. Style varies on spacing: English typically writes 5% with no space, while some European and SI conventions insert a thin space, 5\,\%. siunitx handles this consistently if you typeset many quantities. In percentage-point discussions, write pp or percentage points to distinguish an increase from 4% to 5% from a 1% relative change.

Minimal compilable example

Paste this into an empty .tex file and compile it with pdfLaTeX, XeLaTeX or LuaLaTeX.

\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
Percent sign: $\%$

\[ r = 4.5\%, \quad A = P(1 + 0.045)^{10} \]
\end{document}

Related symbols

• Per mille sign\text{‰}
• Bitcoin sign\text{₿}
• Basis Point\text{bp}
• Indian rupee sign\text{₹}
• NPV\text{NPV}
• Yen sign\text{¥}

Frequently asked questions

How do I write Percent sign in LaTeX?

Type \% in math mode, for example $r = 4.5\%, \quad A = P(1 + 0.045)^{10}$. It works in plain LaTeX without loading any package.

Which package do I need for \%?

None. \% is part of standard LaTeX, so it compiles with nothing in the preamble but the document class.

Can I use \% in text mode, or only in math mode?

Both. \% compiles in running text as well as inside $...$; in a formula keep it in math mode so it gets math fonts and spacing.