Free Discount Calculator
See exactly what you will pay — discount, savings, and tax in one glance, before you reach the register.
Your price
How to use the discount calculator
- Enter the original (pre-sale) price of the item.
- Enter the discount percentage from the sale tag.
- Add your local sales tax rate if you want the true out-the-door price — leave it at 0 to skip.
- Read your savings and final price instantly; everything updates as you type.
Shopping the sales smartly
A big discount percentage does not always mean a big deal — 50% off an inflated "original" price can still cost more than a competitor's everyday price, so compare against what the item usually sells for, not just the sticker. Watch for stacked discounts: a "20% off already-reduced prices" deal multiplies rather than adds, so two 20% discounts equal 36% off, not 40%. This calculator applies the discount first and then tax, which matches how US retailers ring up sales; if a store ever taxes the pre-discount price (rare, but it happens with certain coupons), the difference is small. For bulk or multi-item purchases, run the numbers per item when discounts differ, or use the total as the "original price" when one percentage applies to everything. And remember the oldest retail trick in the book: the best discount is the one on something you were already going to buy.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate a discount by hand?
Multiply the price by the discount as a decimal and subtract: a $80 item at 25% off saves $80 × 0.25 = $20, so you pay $60.
Is tax charged before or after the discount?
In almost all US states, sales tax applies to the discounted price. This calculator follows that convention.
How do stacked discounts work?
They multiply: 20% off followed by another 20% off leaves you paying 0.8 × 0.8 = 64% of the price (36% off), not 60%.
What is a good discount for big purchases?
It depends on the category, but 20–30% off electronics or appliances is solid, while clothing regularly hits 40–70% off at end of season.