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Preposition before noun

“In percentage” or “of percentage”?

Percentage usually appears with of to show part of a whole. In percentage is possible in limited expressions such as in percentage terms.

Quick answer

Natural combinations with “percentage”

Use percentage of to describe part of a total. In percentage is only natural in specific phrases like in percentage terms. Of percentage is generally not idiomatic as a direct combination.

A high percentage of students passed.
The increase was small in percentage terms.
They calculated the percentage of errors.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
percentage of + whole

Showing part of a total

Use percentage of before the group or amount being measured.

Only a small percentage of voters participated.
2
in percentage terms

Expressing figures as percentages

Use in percentage terms when comparing or explaining statistics.

Profits grew faster in percentage terms than expected.
3
percentage increase/decrease in + noun

Describing statistical change

Use in after increase or decrease to name what changed.

There was a percentage increase in sales last quarter.
4
as a percentage of + total

Expressing ratios and proportions

Use as a percentage of for formal measurements and reports.

Debt is measured as a percentage of GDP.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
in percentage
The figures are easier to compare in percentage terms.
correct only in specific expressions
of percentage
The phrase level of percentage is awkward in most contexts.
not a standard direct combination
percentage of
A large percentage of employees work remotely.
standard way to show part of a whole
as a percentage of
Costs rose as a percentage of revenue.
formal expression for ratios

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using “of percentage” directly

Percentage normally takes of after it, not before it.

✕ The report discussed of percentage. ✓ The report discussed the percentage.

Using “in percentage” alone

In percentage usually needs a noun such as terms or points.

✕ The data is shown in percentage. ✓ The data is shown in percentage terms.

Omitting “of” after percentage

Percentage commonly needs of before the whole group.

✕ A high percentage students passed. ✓ A high percentage of students passed.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. A small percentage ___ residents voted.
2. The change looks larger ___ percentage terms.
3. Debt fell as a percentage ___ income.

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Frequently asked questions

Is “in percentage” correct?

Only in limited expressions such as in percentage terms or in percentage points.

Is “of percentage” natural English?

No. Percentage usually takes of after it, as in percentage of sales.

What is the most common pattern with percentage?

Percentage of is the standard way to express part of a whole.

"in act" or "of act"? "in agreement" or "of agreement"? "in appearance" or "of appearance"? "in area" or "of area"? in, at, on, of or to hand? "in attempt" or "of attempt"? "in battle" or "of battle"? "in celebration", "of celebration" or "for celebration"? "in chain" or "of chain"? "in chapter" or "of chapter"? "in charge" or "of charge"? "in check" or "of check"?

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