A red “30% OFF” tag is easy to read, but what will you actually pay, and how much are you saving? Whether you are shopping during an Eid sale or setting prices in your own shop, knowing how to calculate discount takes the guesswork out. This guide covers the three discount calculations you will need, with examples you can check in our free Discount Calculator.
1. Discount amount and sale price
Discount amount = original price × discount % ÷ 100
Sale price = original price − discount amount
Example: a Rs 6,500 pair of shoes at 30% off.
- Discount: 6,500 × 30 ÷ 100 = Rs 1,950
- Sale price: 6,500 − 1,950 = Rs 4,550
A faster way is to multiply by what you pay: 6,500 × 0.70 = Rs 4,550.
2. Finding the discount percentage from two prices
If a shirt was Rs 3,200 and is now Rs 2,400:
Discount % = (original − sale) ÷ original × 100
(3,200 − 2,400) ÷ 3,200 × 100 = 25%
This is useful when a shop shows only “was” and “now” prices without the percentage.
3. Finding the original price
A sale tag says Rs 2,975 after 15% off. What was the original?
Original = sale price ÷ (1 − discount ÷ 100)
2,975 ÷ 0.85 = Rs 3,500
Extra discounts on top of a sale
“40% off + extra 10%” does not mean 50% off. The extra 10% applies to the already reduced price:
| Step | Price |
|---|---|
| Original | Rs 10,000 |
| After 40% | Rs 6,000 |
| After extra 10% | Rs 5,400 |
The total discount is 46%. Our stacked discounts guide explains this in detail, and the calculator has a field for an extra discount.
Adding tax after the discount
In many shops and online stores, sales tax is added on the discounted price. If an item costs Rs 4,000 after discount and tax is 18%, you pay 4,000 × 1.18 = Rs 4,720. The calculator can add tax as a final step, or you can use the VAT Calculator.
Quick discount table for Rs 5,000
| Discount | You save | You pay |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | Rs 500 | Rs 4,500 |
| 20% | Rs 1,000 | Rs 4,000 |
| 25% | Rs 1,250 | Rs 3,750 |
| 50% | Rs 2,500 | Rs 2,500 |
| 70% | Rs 3,500 | Rs 1,500 |
Common mistakes
- Adding stacked discounts instead of applying them one after another
- Calculating the percentage from the sale price instead of the original price
- Forgetting delivery charges when comparing online and shop prices
For general percentage formulas, our Percentage Calculator guide covers everything from marks to salary raises.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate a discount?
Multiply the price by the discount percentage and divide by 100 to get the amount saved, then subtract it from the price.
How do I find the discount percentage?
Subtract the sale price from the original price, divide by the original price and multiply by 100.
Is 30% + 20% off the same as 50% off?
No. It equals 44% off, because the second discount applies to the reduced price.
How do I find the original price before a discount?
Divide the sale price by (1 − discount ÷ 100).