A tag says 30% off. Great — but what will you actually pay, and how much are you saving? Here's the fast way to know before you reach the register.
The formula
- Savings = Original price × (Discount % ÷ 100)
- Final price = Original price − Savings
Or in one step: Final price = Original × (1 − Discount% ÷ 100).
A $80 item at 30% off:
- Savings = 80 × 0.30 = $24
- Final price = 80 − 24 = $56
Stacking discounts (they don't just add up)
A common trap: a "20% off, then an extra 10% off" sale is not 30% off. The second discount applies to the already-reduced price:
- $100 → 20% off → $80 → 10% off → $72
That's a 28% total discount, not 30%. Discounts multiply, they don't add.
Working out the original price
Saw the sale price but want the pre-discount number? Rearrange:
- Original = Final price ÷ (1 − Discount% ÷ 100)
A $56 item that was 30% off started at 56 ÷ 0.70 = $80.
Let the calculator do it
Our Discount Calculator gives you the final price and your total savings the moment you type — perfect for checking a deal while you shop.
Selling instead of buying? Pair it with the Margin Calculator to make sure a discount still leaves you a healthy profit.