Sale signs are designed to make you feel like you are winning, and sometimes you are — but "30% off, plus an extra 20% off" is not 50% off, and a "was $99" price might never have been $99. This calculator cuts through the theater: enter the original price and the discount to see exactly what you pay, what you save, and the total once tax is added.
It also handles stacked discounts the way shops actually apply them — sequentially, not added together — so you can compare "30% + extra 20%" against a flat 40% off and see which leaves more money in your pocket.
Part of the Everyday Calculators collection on CountCrunch.
How sale price is calculated
Example: a $120 jacket at 25% off → 120 × 0.75 = $90, saving $30.
Stacked discounts multiply, not add
Shops apply a second discount to the already-reduced price. "30% off, then an extra 20% off" a $100 item: first 100 × 0.70 = $70, then 70 × 0.80 = $56. That is a 44% total discount — not 50%. A single 40% off coupon ($60) would actually be worse here. The calculator applies each discount in sequence so you can compare offers honestly.
Do not forget tax
Sales tax applies to the discounted price in most places, which softens the deal slightly. Enter your local tax rate and the calculator shows the out-the-door total — the number that actually leaves your account.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate 20% off?
Multiply the price by 0.80. A $50 item at 20% off costs $40, saving you $10.
Is 30% off plus an extra 20% off the same as 50% off?
No — it is 44% off. Discounts apply sequentially: $100 → $70 after 30% off → $56 after the extra 20% off.
How do I find the original price from a sale price?
Divide the sale price by (1 − discount as a decimal). Paid $72 at 25% off? 72 ÷ 0.75 = $96 was the original.
Is sales tax charged before or after the discount?
In most US states and many other places, tax is charged on the discounted price. A few jurisdictions tax the original price — check local rules if the receipt surprises you.