Discount percentage shows how large a discount is compared with the original price. If you know the original price and the sale price, you can calculate the discount percentage by first finding the amount saved, then comparing that saving with the original price.
Use the calculator to check your own numbers, then read the guide for formulas, examples, and common mistakes.
What Is Discount Percentage?
Discount percentage is the percentage of the original price that has been removed.
For example, if an item originally costs 100 and is now 80, the discount amount is 20.
Because 20 is 20% of 100, the discount percentage is 20%.
Discount Percentage Formula
The discount percentage formula is: discount percentage = discount amount ÷ original price × 100.
The discount amount is original price minus sale price.
So the full process is: first find the saving, then divide that saving by the original price.
Step 1: Find the Discount Amount
Start by subtracting the sale price from the original price.
If the original price is 250 and the sale price is 200, the discount amount is 50.
This means 50 was removed from the original price.
Step 2: Divide by the Original Price
Next, divide the discount amount by the original price.
Using the same example, divide 50 by 250.
The result is 0.20.
Step 3: Multiply by 100
To turn the decimal into a percentage, multiply by 100.
0.20 × 100 = 20%.
So the discount percentage is 20%.
Example: Original Price and Sale Price
Suppose an item was 80 and is now 60.
The discount amount is 80 - 60 = 20.
The discount percentage is 20 ÷ 80 × 100 = 25%.
When This Calculation Is Useful
This calculation is useful when a shop shows the original price and sale price but does not show the percentage off.
It is also useful when comparing two offers that have different prices and different savings.
If you already know the percentage off and want the final price, read How to Calculate Sale Price After Discount.
Discount Percentage vs Discount Amount
Discount percentage tells you the rate of reduction. Discount amount tells you the actual money saved.
Both are useful, but they answer different questions.
For a clearer comparison, read Discount vs Percentage Off.
Use the Calculator
Use the Discount Calculator when you know the original price and discount percentage and want the sale price.
Use the Percentage Calculator if you only need to calculate one percentage value.
For the full discount formula, read Discount Formula.
Conclusion
To calculate discount percentage, subtract the sale price from the original price to find the discount amount.
Then divide the discount amount by the original price and multiply by 100.
Related guides and tools
FAQs
How do I calculate discount percentage?
Subtract sale price from original price, divide by original price, then multiply by 100.
What is the formula for percentage discount?
Discount percentage = discount amount ÷ original price × 100.
What is the discount percentage from 80 to 60?
The discount amount is 20, and 20 ÷ 80 × 100 = 25%.