How to Calculate Discount Percentage
A compact guide to discount percentage. Learn the formula, how to work from original and sale price, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Discount percentage in one line
Discount percentage shows how much lower the sale price is than the original price, relative to the original price.
The formula
Use this formula:
- discount percentage = ((original price - sale price) / original price) * 100
Step by step
- Subtract the sale price from the original price.
- Divide the discount by the original price.
- Multiply by 100.
Example 1
Original price: 80 Sale price: 60
- discount = 80 - 60 = 20
- 20 / 80 = 0.25
- 0.25 * 100 = 25%
The discount percentage is 25%.
Example 2
Original price: 250 Sale price: 200
- discount = 50
- 50 / 250 = 0.2
- 0.2 * 100 = 20%
The discount percentage is 20%.
Reverse case
If you know the discount percentage and the original price, you can find the sale price with:
- sale price = original price * (1 - p/100)
Example:
- original price = 120
- discount = 15%
- sale price = 120 * 0.85 = 102
Common mistakes
- Dividing by the sale price instead of the original price
- Forgetting to multiply by 100
- Mixing discount amount with discount percentage
FAQ
Is discount percentage the same as percentage decrease?
Yes. When a price goes down, discount percentage uses the same idea as percentage decrease.
How do I calculate discount percentage fast?
Subtract first, divide by the original price, then multiply by 100. You can also use calculate-percentage.online for a quick check.
Can the discount percentage be more than 100%?
No for a normal price reduction. A 100% discount means the item is free.