Percentage of a Percentage Calculator
Calculate cumulative percentages and apply them to real values
Perfect for understanding compound percentage changes in discounts, markups, taxes, and more
Part 1: Calculate Percentage of a Percentage
Part 2: Apply to Real Values
How It Works
This calculator helps you understand what happens when you apply one percentage to another. It's particularly useful for:
- •Discount on Sale Items: A store offers 40% off, then an additional 90% coupon on the discounted price.
- •Tax Calculations: Applying sales tax to an already-discounted price.
- •Markup on Cost: Adding markup to a product that already has a base markup.
- •Commission Calculations: Multi-level commission structures.
Formulas Used
Cumulative Percentage
This gives you the final percentage that results from applying both percentages in sequence.
Value After First Percentage
Final Value
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn't the result just multiplying the two percentages?
The key is that the second percentage applies to the result of the first percentage, not the original value. For example, 40% of 90% is actually 36%, not 3600%.
Can I use percentages above 100%?
Yes! Percentages above 100% represent increases or markups. For example, a 150% markup means doubling the original price and adding 50% more.
Can I use negative percentages?
Yes, negative percentages can represent reductions. However, be cautious with extreme negative values as they can result in negative final values.
What's the difference between this and applying discounts sequentially?
This calculator does exactly that! When you have multiple discounts or markups applied in sequence, this tool calculates the combined effect. It's why sequential discounts feel bigger than a single combined discount.
Real-World Examples
Example 1: Store Discount
An item costs $100. It's on sale for 40% off, and you have a coupon for 90% off the sale price. Result: 40% of 90% = 36% discount on original price = $36 final price
Example 2: Commission Structure
A sales rep earns 40% commission on sales, and receives 90% of that commission after taxes. Result: 40% of 90% = 36% net commission on original sales value
Example 3: Markup Scenario
A wholesaler marks up products by 40%, then a retailer marks up the wholesale price by 90%. Result: The final markup is equivalent to a 36% increase from the original cost base