If 16% of a number is 72,

Let the number be $x$.

$16 \%$ of $x$ is 72 .

$\Rightarrow \frac{16}{100} \times x=72$

$\Rightarrow 16 x=72 \times 100$

$\Rightarrow 16 x=7200$

$\Rightarrow x=\frac{7200}{16}=450$

$\therefore$ The required number is 450 .