What this calculator checks
Most sale calculators only subtract a percentage. This one runs a short checklist on the things that decide whether a sale is a good deal for you:
- The real saving. The saving against last month's lowest price, not against the crossed-out price.
- The full-price test. Would you buy it at the original price? If not, you are spending money, not saving it.
- The shipping trap. Adding items to reach free shipping can cost more than the shipping saved.
- Coupons, tax and shipping. They change the final price and the real discount.
- Very large discounts. Discounts of 70% or more can mean the original price was inflated, so it is worth checking the price history.
Shown saving = original − sale price. Real saving = lowest price last month − what you pay. If the real saving is zero or negative, the sale price is not lower than recent prices.
Questions
Is a sale price always a good price?
No. Some items are priced high before a sale. Checking the recent price is the simple way to find out.
How do I find last month's lowest price?
Many price-history tools and browser extensions show past prices for big shops. Without one, you can check the same item on another store, or note the price a few weeks before a sale event.
Does this work for Black Friday?
Yes. Enter the original and sale price, add coupon, tax and shipping if they apply, and read the checklist. Our Black Friday guide explains a plan for the day.
Is my information saved?
No. Everything is calculated in your browser. The copy link button only builds a web address with your numbers.
Is this financial advice?
No. It is arithmetic and a checklist to help you think. The decision is yours.
Not sure? Give it 48 hours.
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