Percentages and Articles: "El" vs. "Un"
When discussing statistics or demographics in Spanish, the article you place before a percentage depends on what you are describing. Percentages are masculine singular, so you will always choose between el and un.
Specific Portions with "El"
Use el for an exact, specific portion of a whole. This is usually the case when the percentage is followed by de (of) and a specific group.
| According to the poll, 60% of the electorate has voted. | Según el sondeo, ha votado el 60 % del electorado. |
| 30% of the minority rejects the candidate. | El 30 % de la minoría rechaza a la candidata. |
| That proportion represents exactly 45% of the citizens. | Esa proporción representa exactamente el 45 % de los ciudadanos. |
Changes and Isolated Figures with "Un"
Use un for a fluctuation (a rise or fall) or an isolated figure. You will frequently see un after verbs of change like subir (to go up), bajar (to fall), or crecer (to grow).
| Recently, the turnout has grown by 15%. | Últimamente, la participación ha crecido un 15 %. |
| This year abstention has fallen by 8%. | Este año la abstención ha bajado un 8 %. |
| The birth rate index has gone up by 5%. | El índice de natalidad ha subido un 5 %. |
Seeing the Contrast
Here are both articles side by side:
| 90% have voted and the turnout has risen by 5%. | Ha votado el 90 % y la participación ha subido un 5 %. |
In this example, el 90 % represents a specific portion of the electorate, whereas un 5 % represents the isolated amount by which the turnout increased.
Saying it: por ciento and de cada
The sign % is read por ciento: el 60 % is el sesenta por ciento, and it is often written out in words too. A proportion can also be given with de cada: tres de cada cinco (three out of five), uno de cada diez (one in ten). After uno / una de cada… the verb is usually singular: Uno de cada diez encuestados no contesta.
