Black Friday 2026 dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Thanksgiving | Thursday, November 26, 2026 |
| Black Friday | Friday, November 27, 2026 |
| Small Business Saturday | Saturday, November 28, 2026 |
| Cyber Monday | Monday, November 30, 2026 |
Many retailers start “Black Friday” deals earlier in November, so the best price is not always on the day itself.
Rule 1: Stacked discounts multiply
“40% off, plus take an extra 20% off” sounds like 60%, but the extra discount applies to the already reduced price.
1 − (0.60 × 0.80) = 0.52 → 52% off, not 60%.
| Deal | Sounds like | Actually |
|---|---|---|
| 30% + extra 10% | 40% | 37% |
| 40% + extra 20% | 60% | 52% |
| 50% + extra 25% | 75% | 62.5% |
| 50% + extra 50% | 100% | 75% |
| 60% + extra 30% | 90% | 72% |
Rule 2: “$ off” vs. “% off”
A $20-off coupon is better than 20% off when the item costs less than $100, and worse when it costs more. At exactly $100, they are the same.
Rule 3: Find the real price, not the tag price
- The “original” price on a sale tag may not be what the item usually sells for. Compare with the price from a few weeks earlier or at other stores.
- Calculate the price per unit for bundles and multipacks.
- Include shipping, fees, and tax before comparing stores.
Rule 4: Add sales tax at the end
In most states, sales tax is charged on the price after store discounts. A $57.60 final price at 7.25% tax is $61.78. Use the sales tax calculator for your local rate.
Rule 5: Know the reverse calculation
If a sale price is $45 after 25% off, the original price was $45 ÷ (1 − 0.25) = $60. This helps check whether a “was” price makes sense.
Holiday shopping checklist
- Make a list and a budget before deals start.
- Check return windows — many stores extend them for holiday purchases.
- Ask about price adjustments if the price drops after you buy.
- Be careful with buy-now-pay-later plans; missed payments can add fees.
- Watch for look-alike websites and deals that seem too good to be true.
Questions
When is Black Friday 2026?
Black Friday 2026 is Friday, November 27, 2026, the day after Thanksgiving. Cyber Monday is Monday, November 30, 2026.
Is 40% off plus an extra 20% off the same as 60% off?
No. The extra 20% applies to the already discounted price, so the total discount is 52%.
Is sales tax charged before or after a discount?
In most U.S. states, sales tax is calculated on the discounted price you pay. Rules for manufacturer coupons can differ by state.
How do I find the original price from a sale price?
Divide the sale price by (1 − discount). A $45 price after 25% off came from $45 ÷ 0.75 = $60.