Business & Finance
Published on September 17, 2025
Sales and discounts are everywhere, from "25% Off" signs at your favorite store to online coupon codes. But how do you quickly figure out what you're actually saving and what the final price will be? Understanding how to calculate discounts is a simple but powerful skill for any savvy shopper.
Calculating a discount is a straightforward, two-step process. All you need is the original price and the discount percentage.
First, convert the discount percentage to a decimal by dividing it by 100. Then, multiply this decimal by the original price.
Amount Saved = Original Price × (Discount % / 100)
For example, for a $150 item with a 30% discount: Amount Saved = $150 × 0.30 = $45.
Simply subtract the amount you saved from the original price to find the final price you'll pay.
Final Price = Original Price - Amount Saved
Continuing our example: Final Price = $150 - $45 = $105.
Why do the math yourself? Our Discount Calculator gives you the final price and your total savings in seconds.
Use the Discount Calculator →If you only need the final price, you can do it in one step. If an item is 30% off, it means you are paying 70% of the original price (100% - 30%).
Final Price = Original Price × (1 - (Discount % / 100))
Using our example: Final Price = $150 × (1 - 0.30) = $150 × 0.70 = $105.
Knowing how to calculate discounts on the fly helps you make smarter purchasing decisions, verify that sale prices are correct, and truly understand the value you're getting. It's a fundamental piece of financial literacy that empowers you every time you shop.
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