percentile

This term is a technical tool for relative ranking rather than an absolute score. It describes a position within a distribution, shifting the focus from how much a person knows to how they compare to everyone else in the sample. Using a percentile creates a competitive frame of reference. While a percentage tells you the raw accuracy of a test, a percentile tells you the social or professional standing of the result, often used in standardized testing and pediatric growth charts to identify outliers.