How to print % using printf()?

In C, the printf() function uses the percent symbol (%) as a format specifier. To print the actual % character as text, you need to use a double percent (%%) because a single % has special meaning in printf() and will not display anything.

Syntax

printf("%%");  // Prints a single % character

Example 1: Basic % Printing

Here's how to print the % symbol using printf() −

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    printf("Single percent: %%<br>");
    printf("Percentage: 85%%<br>");
    printf("Multiple: %% %% %%<br>");
    return 0;
}

Single percent: %
Percentage: 85%
Multiple: % % %

Example 2: Alternative Methods

You can also print % using character and string format specifiers −

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    printf("Method 1 (double %%): %%<br>");
    printf("Method 2 (char): %c<br>", '%');
    printf("Method 3 (string): %s<br>", "%");
    printf("Method 4 (ASCII): %c<br>", 37);
    return 0;
}

Method 1 (double %): %
Method 2 (char): %
Method 3 (string): %
Method 4 (ASCII): %

Key Points

• Use %% to print a single % character in printf()
• A single % without a format specifier will not print anything
• The % character has ASCII value 37
• Alternative methods include using %c with '%' or %s with "%"

Conclusion

To print the % symbol in printf(), always use %% (double percent). This escapes the special meaning of % and displays it as literal text.