How this calculator works
Sale price = original × (1 − discount).
A second discount applies to the already-reduced price: original × (1 − d1) × (1 − d2).
So 25% then 10% off is 32.5% in total, not 35%.
Sales tax is applied to the discounted price in most states.
For “buy one, get one 50% off”, the effective discount on two items is 25%, because half price on one of two equal items is a quarter off the pair.
Worked example
$120 item, 25% off, then an extra 10%
- After 25%: $90.
- After the extra 10%: $81.
- You save $39, a 32.5% discount overall.
Questions people ask
Does the order of discounts matter?
No. Multiplying by 0.75 then 0.9 gives the same result as 0.9 then 0.75.
How do I find the original price?
Divide the sale price by (1 − discount). $60 after 25% off was $80.
Is a dollar-off coupon better than a percentage?
Compare them on the actual price: $20 off beats 15% off on anything under about $133.
Is tax charged before or after a coupon?
Store coupons usually reduce the taxable price; manufacturer coupons often don’t, depending on the state.
How do I calculate a discount percentage from two prices?
Divide the amount saved by the original price. A $80 item on sale for $60 is $20 ÷ $80 = 25% off.
Last reviewed October 2, 2026