How to Sign "Percent"

To sign 'percent', form an 'O' handshape with your dominant hand, keeping your palm facing outward or slightly angled. Start with your hand raised in front of you, slightly to your non-dominant side. Then, move your hand diagonally downward and across your body to your dominant side, as if tracing the slash of a percent symbol (%) in the air.

Examples Using "Percent" in a Sentence

1

I got 100 percent on my math test!

Sign '100' first, then immediately follow it with the sign for 'percent' by making the diagonal sweeping motion with your 'O' handshape.

2

There is a 50 percent chance of rain today.

Sign the number '50', then sign 'percent', and finish the sentence with the signs for 'chance', 'rain', and 'today'.

3

My phone battery is at 10 percent.

Establish the context by signing 'phone' and 'battery', then sign the number '10' followed by the 'percent' sign.

How to Sign "Percent"
To sign 'percent', form an 'O' handshape with your dominant hand, keeping your palm facing outward or slightly angled. Start with your hand raised in front of you, slightly to your non-dominant side. Then, move your hand diagonally downward and across your body to your dominant side, as if tracing the slash of a percent symbol (%) in the air.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and directly mimics the written symbol for 'percent' (%). The 'O' handshape visually represents the small circles in the symbol, while the diagonal movement through the air traces the slash that separates them.
Signing Tips
Keep your 'O' handshape relaxed but clearly formed. The movement should be a single, smooth diagonal sweep. You don't need to draw the individual circles of the percent sign; your handshape naturally represents them while the motion represents the line.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is trying to draw the actual circles of the percent sign in the air with an index finger. Remember that the 'O' handshape itself acts as the circles, so you only need to make the diagonal slash movement.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Percent" in a Sentence
1

I got 100 percent on my math test!

Sign '100' first, then immediately follow it with the sign for 'percent' by making the diagonal sweeping motion with your 'O' handshape.

2

There is a 50 percent chance of rain today.

Sign the number '50', then sign 'percent', and finish the sentence with the signs for 'chance', 'rain', and 'today'.

3

My phone battery is at 10 percent.

Establish the context by signing 'phone' and 'battery', then sign the number '10' followed by the 'percent' sign.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to draw the two little circles in the percent sign?

No, you don't need to draw the circles in the air. Your 'O' handshape already represents the circles! Just focus on making the smooth diagonal downward movement to represent the slash.

Which direction should the diagonal line go?

The movement should mimic how you write the symbol. If you are right-handed, start slightly high on your left side and move diagonally down to your lower right side.

How do I sign specific percentages like '25%'?

In ASL, you simply sign the number first, followed immediately by the sign for 'percent'. For example, sign '25' and then make the diagonal 'O' handshape motion.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!