Percent off vs. dollars off: which coupon is better?

Find the break-even price

The break-even price is the purchase amount where both coupons save exactly the same money. Once you know it, you can choose quickly without testing several cart totals.

Example: 25% off or $20 off

Convert 25% to 0.25. Divide $20 by 0.25 to get $80. At an $80 purchase, both coupons save $20. A cart below $80 benefits more from $20 off, while a cart above $80 benefits more from 25% off.

At exactly $80, the two coupons are equal, so any other terms—such as minimum purchase or product exclusions—can decide the choice.

Check maximum savings and exclusions

A percentage coupon may have a maximum discount. If a 30% coupon is capped at $25, it stops becoming more valuable once the cap is reached. A fixed-dollar coupon may require a minimum subtotal or exclude sale items.

Compare the actual eligible subtotal, not the full cart total, when some products do not qualify.

• Minimum purchase requirement
• Maximum discount cap
• Excluded brands or categories
• Whether sale items qualify
• Whether shipping counts toward the minimum

Account for returns

A return can change how a coupon is allocated across an order. Some stores divide a fixed discount proportionally across items, while others reduce the refund differently. Read the return terms when the coupon is large or you may return part of the order.