How to calculate percent off without a calculator?

Calculating Percent Off in Your Head

Ever found a great item on sale and wondered exactly what percentage you were saving? You do not need a calculator or a smartphone to figure it out. With a simple two-step mental math method, you can calculate the discount percentage right on the spot.

First, determine the actual dollar amount saved, often called the discount price. To find this, subtract the final selling price from the original price. For instance, if a shirt originally costs $50 and is marked down to $40, your total savings equal $10.

Next, convert those savings into a percentage. Divide the discount price by the original price. In our example, dividing $10 by $50 gives you 0.20. Finally, multiply that result by 100 to shift the decimal point, giving you a 20% off discount.

For even faster calculations while shopping, try working in reverse with simple benchmarks. Finding 10% of any original price is as easy as moving the decimal point one place to the left. Once you know 10%, you can double it to find 20%, or cut it in half for 5%, making instant deal-checking effortless.