Sales Tax Calculator
Add sales tax to a price, remove it from a total, or find the tax rate.
Use your combined rate, including any state, county and city tax.
Tax rules vary by location and product. Some items are taxed at different rates or exempt.
How to use the sales tax calculator
This calculator handles the three sales tax questions people ask most often:
- Add tax: what will this cost after tax?
- Remove tax: what was the price before tax, given the total on my receipt?
- Find the rate: what tax rate was I charged?
Choose a mode, enter your numbers, and the answer appears instantly with a clear breakdown.
How to add sales tax to a price
Example: a $250 item with an 8.25% sales tax.
- Tax: $250 × 0.0825 = $20.63
- Total: $250 + $20.63 = $270.63
How to remove sales tax from a total
To find the price before tax, divide the total by (1 + the tax rate). Don't just subtract the tax percentage from the total, because the tax was calculated on the smaller, pre-tax price.
Example: a receipt total of $108.25 with 8.25% tax. $108.25 ÷ 1.0825 = $100.00 before tax, so the tax was $8.25.
A common mistake is taking 8.25% off $108.25, which gives $99.32. That's wrong because it applies the rate to the wrong amount.
How to find the sales tax rate
Example: you paid $86.60 for an $80 item. The tax was $6.60, and $6.60 ÷ $80 × 100 = 8.25%.
How sales tax works in the US
The United States has no national sales tax. Instead, sales tax is set by states and often by counties and cities too, so your total rate depends on where you shop. A combined rate is the state rate plus any local rates.
- Five states have no statewide sales tax: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon. Some local areas in Alaska still charge their own sales tax.
- Combined rates elsewhere commonly range from around 4% to over 9%, depending on the state and city.
- Some items are taxed differently. Many states exempt or reduce tax on groceries and prescription medicines, and rules for clothing vary.
Because rates change and vary by address, check your state's revenue department website or your receipt for the exact rate.
Sales tax vs. VAT and GST
Many other countries use a value-added tax (VAT) or goods and services tax (GST) instead of sales tax. The math is the same: the tax is a percentage of the price. The main difference is that VAT and GST are usually already included in the shelf price in places like the UK, Europe, Australia and India, while US prices are usually shown before tax.
To find the price without VAT or GST from a tax-inclusive price, use the Remove tax mode. For example, with a 20% VAT rate, a £60 price includes £10 of VAT (£60 ÷ 1.2 = £50 before VAT).
Tips for shoppers and businesses
- Budget for tax on big purchases, since it can add a significant amount.
- Online purchases are generally taxed based on where the item is delivered.
- Businesses should collect and report sales tax based on local rules, and keep clear records.
Shopping a sale? The discount calculator can apply the discount and sales tax together.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate sales tax?
Multiply the price by the tax rate as a decimal. For example, 7% tax on $40 is $40 × 0.07 = $2.80, for a total of $42.80.
How do I work out the price before tax?
Divide the total by 1 plus the tax rate as a decimal. With 6% tax, a $53 total is $53 ÷ 1.06 = $50 before tax.
Which US states have no sales tax?
Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon have no statewide sales tax, although some local areas in Alaska charge their own.
Is sales tax charged before or after a discount?
In most places, sales tax is calculated on the price after a store discount. Rules for manufacturer coupons can differ.
Can I use this for VAT or GST?
Yes. Enter the VAT or GST rate instead. Use "Add tax" for prices shown without tax and "Remove tax" for prices that already include it.