Discount Calculator

Discounts are price reductions offered by retailers to attract customers and increase sales. Understanding how to calculate discounts helps you make informed purchasing decisions and maximize your savings during sales events.

Types of Discounts

• Percentage Discounts: Most common type, expressed as a percentage off the original price
• Fixed Amount Discounts: A specific dollar amount off the original price
• Buy One Get One (BOGO): Effectively a 50% discount when buying multiple items
• Tiered Discounts: Different discount rates based on purchase amount

Discount Calculation Formulas

• Discount Amount: Original Price × (Discount Percentage ÷ 100)
• Final Price: Original Price - Discount Amount
• Discount Percentage: (Discount Amount ÷ Original Price) × 100
• Savings Percentage: (Amount Saved ÷ Original Price) × 100

Smart Shopping Tips

• Compare the final price, not just the discount percentage
• Consider additional costs like shipping and taxes
• Check if the "original price" is actually the regular retail price
• Look for stackable discounts (coupons + sales)
• Calculate cost per unit for bulk purchases

When to Buy

The best times to find significant discounts include end-of-season clearances, holiday sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, back-to-school periods, and when retailers are clearing inventory for new models.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Don't be fooled by inflated "original prices" or fake urgency tactics. Always verify that you're getting a genuine discount by comparing prices across multiple retailers and checking price history when possible.