Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate sales tax and total price instantly. Enter your item price and select a state or enter a custom tax rate to see the tax amount and final price with our free online calculator.
Enter a custom tax rate or select a state from the dropdown above
How to Use
- 1
Enter the item price in the "Item Price" field — this is the pre-tax price of the product or service
- 2
Select your state from the dropdown to automatically apply the correct state sales tax rate, or enter a custom tax rate in the "Custom Tax Rate" field
- 3
View the calculated sales tax amount and total price including tax in the results section
- 4
Use the price breakdown table to see exactly how the tax is calculated and added to the original price
- 5
Understanding the key inputs — the item price should be the pre-tax amount, and the tax rate is typically expressed as a percentage (e.g., 7.25 for 7.25%)
- 6
Interpreting the results — the sales tax amount shows how much tax you will pay, and the total price shows the final amount you will pay at checkout
- 7
Compare tax rates across different states by changing the state selection to see how location affects the total cost of your purchase
Examples
Good Examples
Calculating sales tax for a $100 purchase in California
Item price: $100, Tax rate: 7.25%, Sales tax: $7.25, Total: $107.25Shopping in Oregon with no state sales tax
Item price: $250, Tax rate: 0%, Sales tax: $0.00, Total: $250.00Comparing tax rates for a $500 purchase in different states
Texas (6.25%): $31.25 tax, Total: $531.25. New York (4.0%): $20.00 tax, Total: $520.00Calculating tax on a restaurant bill
Bill amount: $85.50, Tax rate: 8.5%, Sales tax: $7.27, Total: $92.77Estimating total cost for a major purchase
Laptop price: $1,299.99, Tax rate: 6.5%, Sales tax: $84.50, Total: $1,384.49Bad Examples
Using the wrong tax rate for your location
Using the state rate instead of combined state + local rate can underestimate your actual taxForgetting that some items are tax-exempt
Many states exempt groceries, clothing, or prescription medications from sales taxConfusing sales tax with income tax
Sales tax is added at purchase, income tax is withheld from paychecks — they are different taxesCommon Mistakes
- Using the wrong tax rate — sales tax rates vary by state, county, and city, so always verify the rate for your specific location
- Forgetting that some states have no sales tax — Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon have no state sales tax
- Not accounting for local taxes — many cities and counties add additional sales tax on top of the state rate
- Assuming all items are taxable — groceries, clothing, and prescription drugs are tax-exempt in many states
- Confusing sales tax with VAT — sales tax is added at the point of sale, while VAT is included in the price in many countries
- Not checking for tax-free weekends — many states offer tax-free periods for back-to-school shopping or emergency preparedness
- Using the list price instead of the final price — discounts and coupons may be applied before or after tax depending on the state
- Forgetting that online purchases may still incur sales tax — many states now require online retailers to collect sales tax
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate sales tax on a purchase?
To calculate sales tax, multiply the item price by the tax rate (expressed as a decimal). The formula is: . For example, for a 100 Ă— 0.0725 = $7.25 in sales tax.
What is the formula for calculating total price with tax?
The total price formula is: or combined: . For a 50 Ă— 1.06 = $53.00.
How do I calculate sales tax backwards from a total?
To find the pre-tax price from a total that includes tax, use: . For example, if you paid 107.25 Ă· 1.0725 = $100.00.
What states have no sales tax?
Five US states have no state sales tax: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon. However, some local jurisdictions in Alaska and Montana may charge local sales tax.
Are groceries subject to sales tax?
It varies by state. Many states exempt unprepared food (groceries) from sales tax, but prepared foods, restaurant meals, and hot foods are typically taxable. Check your state's specific rules for details.
Is sales tax the same as VAT?
No, they are different. Sales tax is added at the point of sale and is paid by the end consumer. VAT (Value Added Tax) is applied at each stage of production and distribution, and is typically included in the displayed price. The US uses sales tax, while most other countries use VAT.
Do I pay sales tax on online purchases?
In most cases, yes. Following the 2018 Supreme Court decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair, most states now require online retailers to collect sales tax. The rate is typically based on the buyer's location.
What items are exempt from sales tax?
Common exemptions include prescription medications, groceries (in many states), clothing (in some states), and purchases by nonprofit organizations. Exemptions vary significantly by state.
How do I find the sales tax rate for my area?
Sales tax rates vary by state, county, and city. You can use our calculator to select your state, or check your state's Department of Revenue website for the exact rate. Remember that local taxes may be added on top of the state rate.
What is a tax-free weekend?
A tax-free weekend (or sales tax holiday) is a period when certain items can be purchased without sales tax. Many states offer these for back-to-school shopping, emergency preparedness, or energy-efficient appliances. The dates and eligible items vary by state.