Is it possible for a percent to be over 100 percent?

Answer 1

It depends, but generally yes. For example, a salary of $100,000 could be increased by 100% to $200,000 or by 150% to $250,000.

In general, a percent is just the number over 100, so 500% = 500/100 = 5.

However, there are certain contexts where percentages are limited to the range from 0% to 100%. For example, when dealing with chance and probability, it is impossible to be below 0% (absolutely not possible) or above 100% (absolutely certain).

You also cannot, strictly speaking, give "120%" effort, because 100% effort is defined as your complete effort, there can be nothing greater.