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# 20% off 500: How to Calculate the Discount and Final Price

Shopping and see a great deal? Figuring out discounts on the fly can be tricky, but it doesn't have to be. If you've come across an item priced at $500 with a 20% off sticker, you're in the right place. Let's break it down.

The short answer is: 20% off of $500 is a discount of $100. The final price you would pay is $400.

But how do we get that number? Understanding the math is simple, and knowing how to do it can make you a much smarter shopper. We'll walk you through two easy methods to calculate it yourself.

How to Calculate 20% off 500

Here are two straightforward ways to figure out the discount and the final price.

Method 1: The Decimal Method

This is the most common way to calculate percentages. It's quick and works for any percentage problem.

  • Step 1: Convert the percentage to a decimal. To do this, simply move the decimal point two places to the left. So, 20% becomes 0.20.
  • Step 2: Multiply the original price by the decimal. This will give you the amount of the discount. In this case: $500 x 0.20 = $100.
  • Step 3: Subtract the discount from the original price. This gives you the final sale price. So: $500 - $100 = $400.

Method 2: The 10% Mental Math Trick

This is a fantastic shortcut for calculating common percentages like 20% without needing a calculator.

  • Step 1: Find 10% of the price. Finding 10% of any number is easy—you just move the decimal point one place to the left. So, 10% of $500.00 is $50.0.
  • Step 2: Double it to find 20%. Since 20% is just two times 10%, you can double the amount you just found: $50 x 2 = $100. This is your discount.
  • Step 3: Subtract the discount. Just like before, take the original price and subtract your $100 discount: $500 - $100 = $400.

Let's Summarize the Savings

No matter which method you use, the result is the same. When you see that 20% off sign on a $500 item, you know:

  • Original Price: $500
  • Discount Amount: $100
  • Final Sale Price: $400

Beyond 20% off 500: Use Our Calculator

While 20% off 500 is a nice, round number, sale prices aren't always so clean. What about calculating 15% off $78.99? Or figuring out a 35% tip on a shared dinner bill?

For any percentage problem you face, our tool can give you an instant and accurate answer. Save time and avoid any math headaches with our free percentage calculator.

Now you're not only equipped with the answer but also the skills to calculate discounts yourself. Happy shopping and happy saving!