Math & Statistics

What Is a Percentile?

A percentile indicates the value below which a given percentage of observations in a data set fall. Scoring in the 90th percentile means scoring higher than about 90% of the group. Percentiles are used for test scores, children’s growth charts, and income comparisons.

Percentile vs. Percentage

A percentage is a score out of 100; a percentile is a rank relative to others. 80% correct could be the 95th percentile on a hard test.

Common Percentiles

The 25th, 50th (the median), and 75th percentiles are also called quartiles.

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🔗 Related Terms

Quartile Median Interquartile Range (IQR) Percentage

More Math & Statistics Terms

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Last updated: September 29, 2026. This definition is for general educational purposes only. It is not financial, investment, tax, legal, or medical advice, and it does not recommend any product or course of action. For decisions about your own situation, consult a qualified professional.