How to Calculate Percent Off
Calculating a discount is a useful skill for shopping and budgeting. The basic formula is straight forward.
The Formula
Savings = Original Price × (Discount Percentage ÷ 100)
Final Price = Original Price - Savings
Example: 20% off $50
- Convert 20% to decimal: 20 ÷ 100 = 0.20
- Multiply by price: 50 × 0.20 = 10 (This is your savings)
- Subtract from original: 50 - 10 = $40
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate percent off?
To calculate percent off, convert the percentage to a decimal (divide by 100) and multiply it by the original price. Subtract this amount from the original price.
How do I calculate 20 percent off?
Multiply the original price by 0.20. For example, 20% off $50 is $50 × 0.20 = $10 savings. The final price is $50 - $10 = $40.
Can I stack discounts?
Yes, but usually discounts are applied sequentially, not added together. 20% off plus an extra 10% off is not 30% off. It's 20% off the original, then 10% off the new lower price.
