500 is 10% of 5000. Steps to solve "500 is 10 percent of what number?" We have, 10% × x = 500; or, 10 / 100 × x = 500; Multiplying both sides by 100 and dividing both sides by 10, we have x = 500 × 100 / 10; x = 5000. If you are using a calculator, simply enter 500×100÷10, which will give you the answer. MathStep (Works offline)