Discount Calculator

How to Use the Discount Calculator

The Discount Calculator shows you exactly how much you save and what you pay after applying one or more percentage discounts to a purchase. It is the essential shopping companion for sales events, coupons, clearance racks, and deal comparison.

Single Discount

Enter the original price and the discount percentage. The calculator computes the savings amount and the final price. For a $150 jacket at 30% off: Savings = $150 × 0.30 = $45, Sale Price = $150 - $45 = $105.

Stacked Discounts

Sometimes you have multiple discounts, like a 25% sale plus an extra 10% off with a coupon. These are applied sequentially, not added. A $200 item at 25% off becomes $150, then the additional 10% off reduces it to $135. Note that 25% + 10% does not equal 35% off; it equals 32.5% total.

Fixed Dollar Discounts

The calculator also handles fixed-amount discounts like $20 off. Enter the original price minus the fixed discount, or use the tool to calculate the effective percentage savings. A $20 discount on a $80 item is 25% off.

Comparing Deals

Use the calculator to compare different offers. Is 30% off a $100 item better than buying two for $60 each? The discounted single item costs $70, while two at $60 each cost $120 total ($60 each). Comparing unit prices and total costs helps you find the true best deal.

Sales Tax After Discount

In most jurisdictions, sales tax is applied after discounts. If you buy a $200 item at 25% off in a state with 8% tax: discounted price is $150, tax is $12, final total is $162. The calculator can include tax in the final calculation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I calculate the original price from the sale price?

A: Divide the sale price by (1 - discount rate). If an item costs $63 after a 30% discount: Original = $63 / (1 - 0.30) = $63 / 0.70 = $90.

Q: Are stacked discounts better than a single larger discount?

A: A single combined discount is usually better. 40% off is better than 20% off followed by another 20% off. The stacked discounts yield only 36% total savings. Always calculate both to compare.

Q: How do buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deals work as percentages?

A: BOGO free is effectively 50% off when buying two items. BOGO half-off is 25% off two items. BOGO 30% off is 15% off two items. The calculator helps you determine the per-item effective price for these promotions.