How to calculate a discount
Multiply the original price by the discount percentage divided by 100 to get the amount saved, then subtract it from the original price. For example, 25% off $120 saves $30 and the final price is $90.
Stacked discounts
When a second discount applies after the first, the percentages are not added together. A 25% discount followed by an extra 10% is a total of 32.5%, not 35%, because the second percentage applies to the already reduced price.
Smart shopping tips
- Compare the final price per unit, not only the percentage.
- Check whether tax or shipping is added after the discount.
- Be cautious with "original prices" that may have been inflated before a sale.
Frequently asked questions
Do two discounts add up?
No. The second discount is applied to the price already reduced by the first.
How do I find the original price?
Divide the sale price by (1 − discount). For example, $90 after 25% off was $120.
Does it work for tax?
Use our Sales Tax & VAT Calculator for adding or removing tax.