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
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.
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.
What the site currently contains
| Current offers in the sample | 14,948 |
|---|---|
| Median calculated discount | 25.0% |
| Offers showing at least 40% off | 2,165 |
| Data updated | Sep 10, 2026, 6:29 AM EDT |
Apply this guide to current offers
Current examples where both the dollar saving and calculated percentage are visible.
AWOL Valerion USValerion StreamMaster Plus2 4K Laser Projector with 120-inch Fixed Frame Projector Screen$1,486.76Save $3,550.24
AWOL Valerion USValerion StreamMaster Plus2 4K Laser Projector - 300" IMAX Enhanced Home Theater, 4ms |240Hz Response, Gaming Projector with 3D & Dolby Vision, HDR10, GTV, Smart Home & AI Assistant$1,499.00Save $3,538.00
AnkerAnker SOLIX F3800 Plus Portable Power Station and BP3800 Expansion Battery$4,298.99Save $2,999.01Sources 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
Related DealsChecked pages
- Reference prices explained
- How to spot an inflated discount
- Browse current promo codes
- Browse current product deals