Battery % indicator in menu bar disappears when apps are running

Hi, I like to be able to look up and always see what percentage of battery remains in my Mac. If i have just Finder open I can see it. if I open a browser then I see: Tab, Window, Help, WiFi strength, search etc. If I minimize the browser then it shows again. does anyone know what I mean, I realize I am explaining clumsily. I would like to always have the battery indicator displaying. Appreciate any help.