Successive discounts apply to a changing price. Because the second discount is taken from an already reduced amount, the percentages cannot usually be added.
Convert discounts to amounts paid
A 20% discount means paying 80%, or 0.80. A further 10% discount means paying 90%, or 0.90, of the new price.
Multiply the remaining factors
For 20% then 10% off, multiply 0.80 × 0.90 = 0.72. You pay 72% of the original price, so the combined discount is 28%.
See the calculation on a real price
A $200 item becomes $160 after 20% off. Ten percent off $160 removes another $16, leaving $144. The total saving is $56, which is 28% of $200.
Check coupon order and exclusions
Some stores apply fixed-dollar coupons before percentage discounts, or prevent coupons from stacking. Read the offer terms and calculate the actual order shown at checkout.
A calculator is often the quickest way to check your mental math. The important part is using the right starting value.
Open a calculator →Common questions
Is 50% off and then 50% off free?
No. You pay 50% and then half of that, leaving 25% of the original price.
What is 30% off followed by 20% off?
You pay 0.70 × 0.80 = 56%, which is a combined 44% discount.
Does discount order matter?
For percentage-only discounts it does not; for fixed-dollar and percentage combinations it can.
Our team checks formulas against worked examples and reviews every guide for clarity before publication. Read our editorial policy.