Discount Calculator

Multiply the original price by the discount percentage expressed as a decimal, then subtract from the original price. For a 30% discount on a $80 item: $80 x 0.30 = $24 discount, so the final price is $80 - $24 = $56. Alternatively, multiply the original price by (1 - discount rate): $80 x 0.70 = $56.

A percentage discount scales with the price, so it saves more in absolute dollars on expensive items. A dollar amount off saves the same regardless of the original price. On a $200 item, 20% off saves $40 while $40 off saves the same $40. On a $50 item, 20% off only saves $10, making the dollar discount more valuable. Always compare the final prices to determine which is better.

A stacked or combined discount applies multiple percentage discounts sequentially, not additively. A 20% discount followed by an additional 10% discount does not equal 30% off. Starting with $100: after 20% off it is $80, then 10% off that is $8 more, so the final price is $72 -- a 28% total discount, not 30%. This is always less favorable than a single equivalent combined rate.

Divide the sale price by (1 - discount rate). If an item costs $63 after a 30% discount, the original price was $63 / 0.70 = $90. This works for any percentage discount. Retailers sometimes mark up an original price before applying a discount to make the sale look more attractive than it is -- knowing this calculation helps you evaluate real savings.