Percent function in Vista calculator drives me crazy

[johnnyb58]

If I want to know what 6% of 120 it gives me 7.2 OK so far so good, but if I want to extend the equation by multiplying or dividing the result I get an outrages number as soon I press any operator button.

So I type 120 x 6 % shows 7.2 which is good, but then when I press / or = or anything 864 appears. What the heck do I do with that? 864 now becomes part of the equation.

The only way I know how to deal with it is by saving 7.2 into memory and start a whole new equation or NOT use the % key at all and just move the decimal point which is easy, but why even have a % key if you can’t use it.

 

[beers]

It's useful if you have to calculate percentages and need to manipulate the resulting value in reference to the base value (such as $2500 in stock + 3% = 2575), it's more convenient than doing 2500*.03+2500, for example, or you could do compound interest by hitting enter again.

You could alternatively do 120-94%

 

[johnnyb58]

You could alternatively do 120-94%

That's weird that it works like that, I guess it only works with - or + and not with / or *.

If I want to use only the percentage like what is the monthly portion of an annual interest rate then I want to divide it by 12, but it will not let me using the % key.

 

[johnb35]

Its only because the way the format works. Any multiplication or division needs to take place before any adding or subtracting if I'm not mistaken.

 

[johnnyb58]

Well I just looked in the scientific view thinking maybe it would work there and there is no % key there.

It’s been a long time since I had XP at home and I could swear that I used to do it on XP. We have XP at work so I’m going to have to give it a try there just to see.

If not I am just going to have to remember to move the decimal point before any calculations involving only the percent product.