How to compare the offers
- Enter the full-priced item as A and the item that qualifies for a discount as B. Use B's price before the discount.
- For buy one, get one 50% off, leave the discount on B at 50%.
- Enter a competing discount on both items, then compare what you would pay for the same pair.
Example: a $30 item and a $20 item
If the $20 item is half price, you pay $30 + $10 = $40. You save $10 on a regular total of $50, so the discount across the pair is 20%.
If both items are 25% off instead, you pay $37.50. That saves $2.50 more than the half-price offer. When both items cost $20, either offer totals $30.
The calculation
Savings on B = B's regular price × its discount rate ÷ 100. The effective discount across the pair = savings on B ÷ (A + B) × 100. For the alternative offer, the total is (A + B) × (1 − discount on both items ÷ 100).
Frequently asked questions
Does it automatically discount the cheaper item?
No. Put the item that qualifies under the store's terms in B. If the offer applies to the lower-priced item, enter that item's regular price in B.
Can I use it for a second item at 30% off or free?
Yes. Set the discount on B to 30% or 100%. The calculator covers one pair, not a larger cart or a store's rules for pairing several items.
What if I only need one item?
The comparison assumes you buy the same two items under either offer. If you only need one, compare the pair's total with the price of that one item before spending more.