Stacked Discounts Are Not Simple Addition
20% plus 10% is not 30% when the second discount applies to an already reduced price.
What it does and when to use it
Sequential discounts multiply. The second discount is calculated from the price after the first.
What information to enter
Record each rate in order and handle tax, shipping, or fixed coupons separately.
How to understand the result
Two 20% discounts produce a total discount of 36%, not 40%.
Recommended step-by-step workflow
- Check the assumptionsSequential discounts multiply. The second discount is calculated from the price after the first.
- Use matching unitsRecord each rate in order and handle tax, shipping, or fixed coupons separately.
- Compare with another scenarioTwo 20% discounts produce a total discount of 36%, not 40%.
Formula at a glance
Final price = original ร (1 โ d1) ร (1 โ d2)
Short example
$100 after 20% becomes $80; another 10% makes $72, a total discount of 28%.
Common mistakes
- Adding sequential discount percentages.
- Applying a fixed coupon before or after tax without checking terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does discount order matter?
For percentages alone multiplication commutes, but fixed coupons and tax make order important.
How is total discount found?
Divide final price by original price and subtract from 1.
Are my personal inputs saved?
No. The calculators and guides are designed for quick browser use without storing your personal input values.