Discount Calculator
Calculate sale price, savings amount, and discount percentages for any purchase
Discount Formulas
How to Calculate Discounts
Calculating discounts is a fundamental skill for both shoppers and retailers. Whether you're trying to figure out how much you'll save during a sale or setting promotional pricing for your business, understanding discount math is essential.
The basic discount formula is simple: multiply the original price by the discount percentage (as a decimal), then subtract from the original price. For a $80 item at 25% off: $80 × 0.25 = $20 savings, so you pay $60.
This calculator handles three scenarios: finding the sale price from an original price and discount, calculating what discount percentage was applied, and working backwards to find the original price before a discount.
Types of Discounts
Percentage Off
The most common type. '30% off' means you pay 70% of the original price.
Dollar Amount Off
'$20 off' or 'Save $50'. Convert to percentage by dividing by original price.
Buy One Get One (BOGO)
BOGO 50% off = 25% off total. BOGO free = 50% off when buying 2 items.
Bulk/Quantity Discounts
Tiered pricing that rewards larger purchases. Calculate per-unit savings.
Stacking Multiple Discounts
When multiple discounts apply, the order matters and they don't simply add up. Two 20% discounts don't equal 40% off—they result in 36% total savings.
Here's why: Start with $100. First 20% off: $100 × 0.80 = $80. Second 20% off: $80 × 0.80 = $64. Total savings: $36 (36%), not $40.
| First Discount | Second Discount | Total Savings | Final Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | 10% | 19% | $81.00 |
| 20% | 10% | 28% | $72.00 |
| 20% | 20% | 36% | $64.00 |
| 25% | 25% | 43.75% | $56.25 |
| 30% | 20% | 44% | $56.00 |
| 40% | 20% | 52% | $48.00 |
| 50% | 20% | 60% | $40.00 |
| 50% | 50% | 75% | $25.00 |
Smart Shopping Tips
Calculate Before You Buy
Don't rely on 'SAVE $50' signs. Calculate the actual percentage to see if it's really a good deal.
Compare Unit Prices
A 'sale' on a larger size isn't always cheaper. Calculate price per unit to find true savings.
Track Price History
Some items get 'discounted' from inflated prices. Use price tracking tools to verify actual savings.
Stack Strategically
Combine store sales with coupons, credit card rewards, and cashback apps for maximum savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate 20% off?
Multiply the price by 0.20 to find the discount amount, then subtract from the original. Or simply multiply by 0.80 to get the sale price directly. Example: $50 × 0.80 = $40 sale price.
What does 'up to 50% off' mean?
It means the maximum discount available is 50%, but most items likely have smaller discounts. Always check individual item prices rather than assuming everything is half off.
How do I find the original price from a sale price?
Divide the sale price by (1 - discount rate). If something is $60 after 25% off: $60 ÷ 0.75 = $80 original price.
Is 'buy 2 get 1 free' better than 30% off?
Buy 2 get 1 free equals 33.3% off when you buy exactly 3 items. It's better than 30% off, but only if you need all three items.
Pro Tips
- Bookmark this calculator for quick access in the future
- Use the share button to send your results to others
- Try different scenarios to compare outcomes
- Check out our related calculators for more insights
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