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How this calculator works
Profit after discount = (discounted price − cost per unit) × sales volume. Extra volume needed = original total profit ÷ discounted profit per unit − original sales.
Useful scenarios
- A course creator considering a 30% launch discount on a $200 course with $20 cost per sale to see how many extra enrolments are needed.
- A SaaS founder evaluating a 50% first-year discount on a $99/month product and checking whether the volume increase is realistic.
- A freelancer testing whether a 15% repeat-client discount makes sense given their current project volume and margins.
FAQ
When does a discount make sense?
Discounts make sense when: (1) you have high fixed costs and excess capacity, (2) you're launching and need social proof, (3) you're entering a competitive market, or (4) it's a limited-time offer for existing customers. They don't make sense if you're already at full capacity.
Why does cost per unit matter so much for discounts?
If your cost per unit is high, a discount cuts deeply into profit. If your cost per unit is near zero (digital products, SaaS), a discount mainly affects revenue — you still make positive margin. The calculator reveals this difference.
How do I know if the extra volume is realistic?
Check your conversion rate history. If your current conversion rate is 2% and a discount would need to triple sales, you need 6% conversion rate. For most businesses, a 20% discount might increase volume 20%–50% — but doubling or tripling is rare without major marketing spend.