Percent vs. dollar discount: which code saves more?
A 20% code and a $20 code are only comparable once you know your cart. Enter the subtotal of the items the codes apply to and we'll show which one saves more — and where the break-even point is.
The 20% code saves more.
20% off $80 saves $16, so you pay $64.
The $20 code doesn't apply: your subtotal is $20 below its $100 minimum. Adding items you don't need just to reach a minimum usually costs more than it saves.
Break-even: the 20% code beats $20 off once your eligible subtotal is above $100.
Uses the eligible subtotal only. Shipping, tax, excluded items and whether the merchant applies a minimum before or after other discounts can change the result — check the listing's terms.
The quick rule
A percentage code beats a dollar code when your eligible subtotal is above dollars ÷ percent. For example, 15% off beats $15 off only above $100 (15 ÷ 0.15), and 20% off beats $25 off above $125. Below that point the dollar code wins — if you meet its minimum spend.
Things that change the answer
- Minimum spend: a dollar code often needs a minimum order. Below it, the code saves nothing.
- Caps: some percentage codes stop at a maximum discount, which lowers their value on big carts.
- Exclusions: sale items, gift cards or certain brands may not count toward the eligible subtotal.
- Stacking: most stores allow one code per order, so you usually pick one rather than add them together.
- Shipping thresholds: a discount can drop you below a free-shipping threshold; compare the final total.
Store pages on Discount-Code.com list each code's reported benefit, minimum spend and exclusions next to the code, so you can plug them in here. Browse stores.