How to calculate a sale price
To take X% off a price, multiply it by (1 − X ÷ 100). $59.99 with 30% off is 59.99 × 0.7 = $41.99.
The amount you save is the price times the percentage: 30% of $59.99 = $18.
How to find the percent off
Subtract the sale price from the original, divide by the original and multiply by 100. From $120 to $84: (120 − 84) ÷ 120 × 100 = 30% off.
Worked examples
| Question | Calculation | Working | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| What is 40% off $65? | Subtract X% from Y | 65 × 0.6 | 39 |
| Shirt $45 with 15% off | Subtract X% from Y | 45 × 0.85 | 38.25 |
| Was $120, now $84, what percent off? | Percentage decrease from X to Y | (120 − 84) ÷ 120 × 100 | 30% |
Frequently asked questions
Do two 10% discounts make 20% off?
No. The second discount applies to the reduced price: 100 − 10% = 90, then 90 − 10% = 81, so 19% off in total.
How do I find the original price before a discount?
Divide the sale price by (1 − discount ÷ 100). If you paid $80 after 20% off, the original price was 80 ÷ 0.8 = $100.
Is “buy one, get one 50% off” the same as 25% off?
Yes, when both items cost the same: you pay 1.5 prices for 2 items, which is 25% off the total.
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