DealDecision

Discount Comparison Calculator — Percent vs Dollar Off

Enter the price and discount options to instantly see which saves more.

Our Verdict

The all-in-one calculator for smart shoppers who want to stop guessing and start saving.

The Rule of 100

Rule of thumb — use the calculator above for exact results.
Under $100: $ off often looks bigger. Over $100: % off often saves more.

Why comparing discounts is confusing

Our brains don’t calculate percentages instantly. Retailers mix percent and dollar formats because they’re hard to compare at a glance. This tool converts both offers into the same unit so you can pick the cheaper option quickly.

Common Discount Scenarios

See all examples
$89.99 — 20% off vs $15 off — Common around $75–$120 items$199.50 — 30% off vs $50 off — Higher-priced products$49.95 — 15% off vs $10 off — Smaller purchases and add-ons$75.00 — 25% off vs $20 off — Common around $75–$120 items$299.99 — 40% off vs $100 off — Higher-priced products$35.50 — 10% off vs $5 off — Smaller purchases and add-ons$450.00 — 50% off vs $200 off — Higher-priced products$24.99 — 5% off vs $5 off — Smaller purchases and add-ons

Why trust our math?

We don’t guess. We calculate.

Why is this hard to judge?

  • •Percent off feels bigger, but isn’t always better at lower prices.
  • •Dollar off looks smaller, but can win at higher price points.
  • •Mental math fails when formats differ (e.g. 20% vs $15).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 20% off better than $15 off?

It depends on the original price. If the item costs more than $75, 20% off saves more than $15. If it costs less than $75, the $15 off coupon is better. Use the calculator above to check your specific numbers.

When does percent off beat dollar off?

Percent off usually wins on higher-priced items. Specifically, it wins when (Price × Percent) is greater than the fixed dollar amount. For example, 20% off beats a $15 discount only when the price is above $75.

When is dollar off better than percent off?

Dollar off is usually better for lower-priced items (typically under $100). A fixed amount like $10 off can be a huge percentage of a cheap item's price, easily beating a standard 10-20% discount.

What if both discounts save the same amount?

It's a tie—you pay the same final price. In this case, choose based on other factors like which coupon expires later, or if one store offers better rewards points.

Can I compare two percentage discounts?

Yes. Simply enter both percentage amounts into the calculator (e.g., 20% vs 25%). The tool will show you which one results in a lower final price.

Can I compare two dollar-off coupons?

Yes. Enter both dollar amounts (e.g., $5 off vs $10 off). The calculator will instantly confirm which fixed discount saves you more money.

Which discount is better for a $50–$100 item?

For items between $50–$100, the winner depends on the specific deal. Use the 'Rule of 100': percent discounts are often better for items over $100, while dollar discounts often look better for items under $100.

Why does a smaller discount sometimes save more money?

Because our brains struggle to compare different formats (percent vs dollar). A 'small' 10% discount on a $500 item saves $50, which is much more than a 'large' $20 off coupon.