Calculating discount percentages is really simple and can be done two different ways, which this "how to" will show both ways. This is very useful when making purchases at a store offering a discount on the purchase price.
Method 1
Find out the price of your order. Note that discounts are usually taken off of the order price BEFORE taxes are added. (15% off of a $203.19 order before taxes)
Convert discount percentage to a decimal by dividing by 100. (15% / 100 = .15)
Multiply the number or price, which the discount will be taken off, by the number derived in Step 2. (203.19 x .15 = 30.4785)
Round up the number found in Step 3 to two decimal points. This is the discount. (30.4785 rounds up to 30.48)
Subtract the discount from the order price to get the total price before taxes. ($203.19 - $30.48 = $172.71)
Method 2
- Paper
- Pencil
Find out the price of your order. Note that discounts are usually taken off of the order price BEFORE taxes are added. (15% off of a $203.19 order before taxes)
Convert discount percentage to a decimal by dividing by 100. (15% / 100 = .15)
Subtract the number derived in Step 2 from 1.00. (1.00 - .15 = .85)
Multiply the number or price, which the discount will be taken off, by the number derived in Step 3. (203.19 x .85 = 172.7115)
Round up the number found in Step 3 to two decimal points. This is the total order before taxes with the discount applied. (172.7115 rounds up to 172.71)
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About the Author
John Gugie has been a freelance writer for a decade. His work is diverse, from editorials and research papers to entertainment, humor and more. He holds a degree in finance from Moravian College of Pennsylvania. He writes for several sites including Associated Content, Helium and Examiner.
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