Keyword density question. Kind of theoretical since I don't believe in maintaining keyword density

Suppose a keyword is 3 words long 'Best X Y' and it is has appeared once in 100 words. Will the density be considered as 1% (1 appearance per 100 words) or 3% (since it occupies 3 words out of 100).

1%

You're overthinking it. Make it sound/read natural.

Psh said:

You're overthinking it. Make it sound/read natural.

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I said this already in the title.

1%. 3% would be for "lsi" or related/supporting keywords.

I really do not take this percentage too seriously. And I don't think you should.
You shouldn't write articles that are keyword spammed that's just the point of the whole thing. When you write naturally, you wouldn't have the time to start calculating how many percent does the keywords take up. Your article should sound natural while making sure the reader and of course Google is able to know what the page is talking about.

It's easier to get the reader to know/understand but with Google, you have to mention the keywords and related terms good enough times for it to pick up.

Every othet unnecessary calculation in my opinion is really unnecessary.

The method above has been working for me and still works till date.

Keyword density is less important than KEYWORD INTENT FULFILLMENT

Pay close attention to WHY people are typing in your target kw into Google

Meet that need

When you do, the searchers clicking on your content in the SERPS are less likely to click the back button

This goes a long way in boosting your ranking