Markdown Calculator

Find what percentage a price was marked down.

How the Math Works

The Markdown Calculator uses the formula: markdown = (original - sale) / original * 100. This calculates the percentage reduction from the original price. First, subtract the sale price from the original price to find the dollar amount of the discount. Then divide that difference by the original price to get a decimal representing the proportion of the discount. Finally, multiply by 100 to convert the decimal to a percentage. For example, if an item originally costs $100 and is on sale for $80, the markdown is (100-80)/100*100 = 20%.

Practical Applications

To use this calculator, simply enter the original price and the sale price of any item. The calculator will automatically compute the markdown percentage. This is particularly useful when comparing different sale offers to determine which gives you the better deal, or when you need to calculate the actual savings from a purchase. You can also work backwards - if you know the original price and desired discount percentage, you can calculate what the sale price should be.

Day-to-Day Use

Knowing the markdown percentage helps you make smarter shopping decisions. When comparing similar items at different stores, you can quickly determine which offers the best discount. This calculator also helps with budget planning - you can estimate how much you'll save before making a purchase. Additionally, understanding markdown percentages helps when negotiating prices, as you'll know exactly what discount you should be asking for. It's a valuable tool for both casual shoppers and those who regularly buy items at discounted prices.

Worked example

$80 → $60 = 25% markdown.

FAQ