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Discount Calculator

Calculate final sale price and total savings.

Final Price
$0.00
You Save: $0.00

Smart Shopping: Mastering the Discount Calculation

Retailers are masters of psychology. Signs screaming "30% OFF!" or "Buy One Get One 50% Off" are designed to make you feel like you are saving money, encouraging you to spend more. But how much are you actually paying?

The Open Tools Discount Calculator cuts through the marketing noise. Enter the price tag and the discount percentage, and we will tell you the exact dollar amount you pay at the register.

How to Calculate Discounts Manually

If you don't have this tool handy while shopping, here is the mental math trick:

  1. The "10% Rule": To find 10% of any number, just move the decimal point one spot to the left.
    10% of $45.00 is $4.50.
  2. Doubling Up: To find 20%, find 10% and double it.
    20% of $45.00 is $4.50 x 2 = $9.00.
  3. Halving: To find 5%, find 10% and cut it in half.

Understanding "Double Discounts" (Stacking)

Many stores offer "Extra 20% off already reduced items." Warning: This does not mean you simply add the percentages together. You don't get 50% + 20% = 70% off.

How Stacking Works:

  • Shirt Price: $100
  • First Discount (50%): Price becomes $50.
  • Second Discount (20%): You take 20% off the new $50 price ($10 off).
  • Final Price: $40. (Total savings is 60%, not 70%).

Types of Sales Promotions

  • Percentage Off: The most common type (e.g., "Black Friday 40% Off"). Best for high-ticket items.
  • Dollar Off: "$10 off your purchase of $50." This is often better than a percentage for smaller purchases.
  • BOGO (Buy One Get One): "Buy 1 Get 1 Free" is effectively a 50% discount, but it forces you to buy two items.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does this calculator include tax?

No. This calculates the pre-tax sale price. Sales tax is applied after the discount is deducted. To calculate the final total with tax, use our Sales Tax Calculator on the result.

What is a "Markup"?

A markup is the opposite of a discount. It is the percentage added to the cost price to determine the selling price. If a store buys a shoe for $50 and sells it for $100, that is a 100% markup (or a 50% profit margin).