How do you calculate multiple discounts (e.g., 20% off + extra 10% off)?

You must apply the discounts sequentially. First, calculate the price after the initial 20% discount. Then, use that new, lower price as the starting point to calculate the second 10% discount. You cannot simply add the percentages together (30% off), as that will give you an incorrect, lower price.

Does this calculator handle sales tax?

Yes. Our world-class Discount Calculator has an optional field for sales tax. It first calculates the price after the discount and then applies the tax to that sale price to give you the true, final out-the-door cost.

The Ultimate Guide to Discount Calculators & Smart Shopping

Everyone loves a good sale, but it's easy to get confused by "percent off" signs and complex promotions. Is that "70% off" deal really as good as it sounds? A discount calculator is the ultimate tool for any savvy shopper, allowing you to instantly find the final price and see your true savings.

This guide explains how to use a discount calculator effectively and reveals a few shopping secrets along the way.

Find the Final Price Now

Our world-class calculator lets you find the sale price *and* add sales tax to see the final, out-the-door cost. No surprises at the register.

Use the Discount Calculator →

How a Discount is Calculated

The math is simple. To find the amount you save, you convert the discount percentage to a decimal and multiply it by the original price.

Savings = Original Price × (Discount Percentage / 100)

The final sale price is then:

Sale Price = Original Price - Savings

Our calculator automates this so you never have to pull out your phone's calculator app in the middle of a store again.

A person happily using a calculator on their phone while looking at a shopping tag.

Pro Tip: How to Handle "Stacked" Discounts

One of the most confusing scenarios is when a store offers an additional discount on an already reduced item (e.g., "Take an extra 20% off all sale items"). You **cannot** simply add the percentages together (e.g., a 50% off item with an extra 20% off is NOT 70% off).

You must apply the discounts sequentially:

Calculate the price after the first discount.
Use that new price as the "original price" for the second discount.

For example, for a $100 item at 50% off with an extra 20% off:

$100 - (50% of $100) = $50
$50 - (20% of $50) = $40

The final price is $40, which is a total discount of 60%, not 70%.

The Final Step: Don't Forget Sales Tax

The price on the tag is rarely the final price you pay. To find the true "out-the-door" cost, you must also account for sales tax, which is calculated on the **discounted sale price**, not the original price.

Our best-in-class Discount Calculator has a dedicated (but optional) field for sales tax, allowing you to see the complete picture in one simple calculation.