Discount + Sales Tax Final Price

Discount and sales tax, in the right order

The price on the shelf is rarely the price you pay. A discount lowers it; sales tax raises it. This calculator applies them in the order that matches how checkout actually works: it takes the discount off the original price first, then charges sales tax on the reduced amount. That order matters — tax is almost always calculated on what you actually pay after the discount, not on the full pre-sale price.

The formula

For an original price P, discount d%, and tax t%:

• Discounted price = P × (1 − d/100)
• Tax added = discounted price × (t/100)
• Final price = discounted price + tax added

Example: a $80 item at 25% off is $60. With 8.25% sales tax, you add $4.95, for a final price of $64.95 — and you saved $20 off the original. The tool shows each of these figures so you can see exactly where the money goes.

Why this beats doing it in your head

Stacking a percentage off and a percentage on top is a classic place to slip up — it’s tempting to just subtract 25% and add 8% and call it close, but applying tax to the wrong base, or adding the two percentages together, gives the wrong answer. Letting the tool chain the two steps keeps it correct every time, which is handy when you’re comparing sale prices in a store.

Common uses

• Checking the real cost of a sale item before you get to the register.
• Comparing two deals where the discount and tax differ.
• Budgeting a purchase that includes local sales tax.

FAQ

What sales tax rate should I use?

Use your local combined rate (state plus any county or city tax). Rates vary widely, so check your receipt or your jurisdiction’s published rate. Some items, like groceries or clothing, may be taxed differently or exempt.

Does it handle “tax included” pricing?

This tool adds tax on top. If a price already includes tax (common outside the US), set the tax field to 0.

Does it apply the discount before or after tax?

It applies the discount first, then charges tax on the reduced price, which matches how most checkouts work. This usually lowers the tax you pay compared with taxing the full pre-sale price.

How do I stack two discounts, like 20% off then an extra 10%?

Stacked percentage discounts don't simply add up. Run the first discount, take that result as the new original price, and apply the second discount to it. Two 10%-off coupons together come to 19% off, not 20%.

Is this calculator free, and does it run in my browser?

Yes, it is completely free with no sign-up. All calculations run locally in your browser, so nothing you enter is uploaded, and it works on phones and desktops alike.

Can I use it for VAT or GST instead of US sales tax?

Yes. Enter your VAT or GST rate in the tax field and it works the same way, though note that in many countries listed prices already include VAT, in which case you would set the tax field to 0.