";out+="1. Calculate Savings: $"+p.toFixed(2)+" × ("+d+" / 100) = $"+savings.toFixed(2)+"
";out+="2. Calculate Sale Price: $"+p.toFixed(2)+" – $"+savings.toFixed(2)+" = $"+salePrice.toFixed(2)+"
";if(t>0){out+="3. Calculate Tax: $"+salePrice.toFixed(2)+" × ("+t+" / 100) = $"+taxAmount.toFixed(2)+"
";out+="4. Final Total: $"+salePrice.toFixed(2)+" + $"+taxAmount.toFixed(2)+" = $"+finalPrice.toFixed(2);}out+="
Calculator Use
The discount calculator is an essential tool for shoppers, business owners, and savvy consumers. It helps you quickly determine how much you will save on a purchase and what the final price will be after a percentage reduction is applied. Whether you are navigating a seasonal sale, using a coupon code, or calculating wholesale markdowns, this tool provides instant clarity.
To use the calculator, simply enter the original list price and the discount percentage. You also have the option to include a sales tax rate to find the final "out-the-door" price.
- Original Price
- The initial price of the item before any discounts or taxes are applied.
- Discount Percentage
- The percentage off the original price (e.g., 20%, 50%, 75%).
- Sales Tax
- The local tax rate applied to the sale price (optional).
How It Works
When you apply a discount, you are essentially reducing the base cost by a fraction of itself. The math behind the discount calculator involves three primary steps: calculating the amount saved, determining the subtotal, and optionally adding sales tax.
Sale Price = Original Price × (1 – (Discount % / 100))
- Percentage to Decimal: Divide the discount percentage by 100 (e.g., 20% becomes 0.20).
- Savings Amount: Multiply the original price by that decimal.
- Final Deduction: Subtract the savings amount from the original price.
- Tax Inclusion: If tax is applicable, multiply the sale price by (Tax % / 100) and add it back to the sale price.
Calculation Example
Example: Imagine you find a designer winter coat that originally costs $250. The store is offering a "40% off" clearance sale, and the local sales tax is 8%.
Step-by-step solution:
- Original Price = $250.00
- Discount = 40% (or 0.40 in decimal form)
- Savings = $250 × 0.40 = $100.00
- Sale Price = $250 – $100 = $150.00
- Tax = $150 × 0.08 = $12.00
- Final Total = $150 + $12 = $162.00
Common Questions
How do I calculate 20% off in my head?
To quickly find 20% off, first find 10% by moving the decimal point one place to the left. Then, double that number. For example, if an item is $80, 10% is $8. Double $8 is $16. Your discount is $16, making the sale price $64.
Does the discount apply before or after tax?
In most jurisdictions, sales tax is calculated based on the net price (the sale price) after the discount is applied. This is why our discount calculator subtracts the savings before calculating the tax amount.
What is a "Double Discount"?
A double discount occurs when a store offers a percentage off an item that is already on sale. For example, "Take an extra 20% off already reduced clearance items." You do not simply add the percentages together (e.g., 30% + 20% is not 50%). Instead, you apply the first discount to the original price, then apply the second discount to the new, lower price.