How does DealsChecked calculate a discount percentage?

We use (reference price - current price) / reference price, expressed as a percentage. The reference price is the merchant's listed comparison price at the time of the latest update, and the result is rounded to a whole number.

Why does the percentage differ from the merchant's badge?

Merchants sometimes calculate badges against a different base, such as a seasonal or regional price. DealsChecked always uses the reference and current prices shown on the deal page, so the number is reproducible.

What does the saving figure mean?

The saving is the difference between the reference price and the current price for the exact variant shown. It is an estimate of the discount, not a guarantee of the final checkout total, which can change with taxes, shipping, and membership terms.

DealsChecked guide

How we calculate discount percentages

The exact formula behind every percentage on DealsChecked and why mismatches are rejected.

Written and reviewed by DealsChecked Editorial Team

Published July 28, 2026 · Last materially updated 2026-09-12

Written for shoppers using the references listed below. Product prices, eligibility, and checkout terms can change, so confirm the final order details with the merchant.

Quick answer: The exact formula behind every percentage on DealsChecked and why mismatches are rejected.

Short answer: every displayed discount uses (reference price − deal price) ÷ reference price × 100. We calculate it from the two displayed price fields instead of copying a marketing percentage.

Worked calculations

Reference price	Deal price	Dollar saving	Calculated discount
$100.00	$75.00	$25.00	25.00%
$49.99	$39.99	$10.00	20.00%
$1,299.00	$999.00	$300.00	23.09%

How displayed percentages are calculated

DealsChecked calculates the percentage from the comparison price and deal price shown on the page. If those numbers do not produce a consistent saving, the offer is not displayed until the information can be corrected.

Rounding example

For $1,299 down to $999, the saving is $300. Dividing $300 by $1,299 produces 23.0946%, which displays as 23.09% in detailed calculations and may be rounded to 23% in compact interface labels.

What the saving figure means

The dollar saving shown on every card is the difference between the comparison price and deal price displayed. It is often more useful than the percentage when comparing offers at very different prices.

What we cannot verify

We cannot verify that the reference price is what the item historically sold for. That is why deal pages carry an observed price history that grows over time, and why we never claim an all-time low we did not observe.

Treat a comparison price as context, not proof of a bargain. Compare other sellers and use several observed prices when enough history is available.

DealsChecked data snapshot

What the site currently contains

Current offers in the sample	29,012
Median calculated discount	18.8%
Offers showing at least 40% off	2,722
Data updated	Oct 25, 2026, 8:27 AM EDT

Percentages use the comparison price and current deal price shown on each offer. Confirm the final price at checkout.

Live examples

Apply this guide to current offers

Current examples where both the dollar saving and calculated percentage are visible.

Browse all deals →

AnkerAnker SOLIX F3800 Plus Power Station and Double Power Hub, 7,680WhAutomatic discount · Offer end date not provided$5,398.99Save $4,498.01

HisenseHisense 100" U8 Series ULED Mini-LED 4K UHD Smart Google TV (100U8QG) - QLED, Native 165Hz, VRR 288, Up to LD5600, 5000 Nits, HDR10+, Dolby Vision IQ · Atmos, IMAX Enhanced, 4.1.2 Ch Audio, 100 inchAutomatic discount · 4h left$3,999.99Save $3,000.00

AnkerAnker SOLIX F3800 Plus Portable Power Station and BP3800 Expansion BatteryAutomatic discount · Offer end date not provided$4,298.99Save $2,999.01

These examples are current offers, not product endorsements. Confirm the exact item, eligibility, and final merchant total.

Sources and further reading

For practical buying advice, see our deal shopping tips. Material errors can be reported under our corrections policy.

Primary references

16 CFR Part 233 — Guides Against Deceptive Pricing — Electronic Code of Federal Regulations

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Last updated 2026-09-12.