Discount Calculator
Common Discounts
Related Calculators
How to Calculate Discounts
Basic Discount Formula
Calculating discounts is a fundamental math skill useful for shopping, budgeting, and business. The basic formula to find the sale price after a percentage discount is:
Example Calculations
Example 1: 25% Off $80
Example 2: Find Original from $60 at 25% off
Understanding Stacked Discounts
When multiple discounts are applied sequentially (not added together), the calculation changes. For example, a 20% off coupon on an item already 30% off:
Stacked Discount Example
Original: $100, First discount: 30% off, Second discount: 20% off
Quick Mental Math Tips
Sales Tax Considerations
In most places, sales tax is calculated on the discounted price, not the original price. This means your tax bill is also reduced when you get a discount.
| Scenario | Before Tax | 8% Tax | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original $100 | $100.00 | $8.00 | $108.00 |
| With 25% off | $75.00 | $6.00 | $81.00 |
Smart Shopping Tip
Before making a purchase, calculate the actual discount to ensure you're getting a good deal. Sometimes "50% off the second item" or "buy 2 get 1 free" offers aren't as good as they sound compared to a straight percentage discount.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate a discount percentage?
To find the discount percentage: Discount % = ((Original Price - Sale Price) / Original Price) x 100. For example, if an item was $80 and is now $60: (($80 - $60) / $80) x 100 = 25% off. This helps you compare deals across different items or stores.
How do I calculate the sale price after a percentage discount?
Multiply the original price by (1 - discount rate). For 30% off a $50 item: $50 x (1 - 0.30) = $50 x 0.70 = $35. Alternatively, calculate the discount amount ($50 x 0.30 = $15) and subtract it from the original price ($50 - $15 = $35).
How do stacked discounts work?
When discounts are stacked (applied sequentially), they multiply rather than add. For 30% off plus an additional 20% off: First discount gives you 70% of original, then the second discount gives you 80% of that result. So 0.70 x 0.80 = 0.56, meaning you pay 56% of original (44% total discount, not 50%).
Is 'buy one get one 50% off' the same as 25% off each?
Yes, mathematically they're equivalent for two items. If each item is $40: BOGO 50% = $40 + $20 = $60 for two. 25% off each = $30 + $30 = $60 for two. However, 'buy one get one free' (BOGO free) equals 50% off total, which is a better deal than 25% off each item.