Why 50% + 20% off isn’t 70%: stacked discounts explained

The rule

Each extra discount applies to the already-reduced price, so discounts don’t simply add up.

Final price = price × (1 − first discount) × (1 − second discount) …

Offer	Calculation	You pay	Real discount
50%	1,000 × 0.5	500	50%
50% + 20%	1,000 × 0.5 × 0.8	400	60%
50% + 20% + 10% coupon	1,000 × 0.5 × 0.8 × 0.9	360	64%
30% + 30%	1,000 × 0.7 × 0.7	490	51%

Compare final prices, not percentages; one shop’s 40% off can be cheaper than another’s 60%.
Check the price before the sale if you can; some “original” prices are inflated.
“Up to 70%” usually applies to only a few items.
Prices in Saudi Arabia normally include 15% VAT, so the shelf price is what you pay.

Try any deal in the discount calculator.

Questions people ask

How do I work out stacked discounts?

Multiply the price by (1 − each discount) in turn. For 50% then 20%: 1,000 × 0.5 × 0.8 = 400.

Is “up to 70% off” the same as 70% off?

No. “Up to” means a few items reach 70%; most are discounted less.

Does the order of discounts matter?

No. 50% then 20% gives the same result as 20% then 50%.

This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Check official sources for your own situation.