How to Calculate a Discount

Convert the percentage discount to a decimal., Multiply the original price by the decimal., Subtract the discount from the original price.

3 Steps 1 min read Easy

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Convert the percentage discount to a decimal.

    To do this, think of the percent number with a decimal to the right of the last digit.

    Move the decimal point two places to the left to get the converted decimal.You can also use the %{\displaystyle \%} sign on a calculator.

    For example, you might want to calculate the sale price of a pair of shoes that is regularly $69.95.

    If the shoes are 25% off, you need to convert 25% to a decimal by thinking 25%=25.00%=.25{\displaystyle 25\%=25.00\%=.25}.
  2. Step 2: Multiply the original price by the decimal.

    You can multiply the decimal by hand, or use a calculator.

    This will tell you the discount, or what value is being taken off the original price.For example, to find the 25% discount on a pair of $69.95 shoes, you would calculate
    69.95×.25=17.49{\displaystyle
    69.95\times .25=17.49}. , To subtract decimals, line up the decimal points and subtract as you would whole numbers.

    Be careful to drop the decimal point down into your answer.

    You can also use a calculator.

    The difference will be the sale price of the item.For example, if a pair of shoes that are originally $69.95 have a discount of $17.49, calculate the sale price by subtracting:69.95−17.49=52.46{\displaystyle
    69.95-17.49=52.46}.

    So, the shoes are on sale for $52.46.
  3. Step 3: Subtract the discount from the original price.

Detailed Guide

To do this, think of the percent number with a decimal to the right of the last digit.

Move the decimal point two places to the left to get the converted decimal.You can also use the %{\displaystyle \%} sign on a calculator.

For example, you might want to calculate the sale price of a pair of shoes that is regularly $69.95.

If the shoes are 25% off, you need to convert 25% to a decimal by thinking 25%=25.00%=.25{\displaystyle 25\%=25.00\%=.25}.

You can multiply the decimal by hand, or use a calculator.

This will tell you the discount, or what value is being taken off the original price.For example, to find the 25% discount on a pair of $69.95 shoes, you would calculate
69.95×.25=17.49{\displaystyle
69.95\times .25=17.49}. , To subtract decimals, line up the decimal points and subtract as you would whole numbers.

Be careful to drop the decimal point down into your answer.

You can also use a calculator.

The difference will be the sale price of the item.For example, if a pair of shoes that are originally $69.95 have a discount of $17.49, calculate the sale price by subtracting:69.95−17.49=52.46{\displaystyle
69.95-17.49=52.46}.

So, the shoes are on sale for $52.46.

About the Author

G

Gloria Cooper

Brings years of experience writing about creative arts and related subjects.

53 articles
View all articles

Rate This Guide

--
Loading...
5
0
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0

How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: