Sales Tax Calculator
Quickly find the tax amount and final price for any purchase.
How this is calculated
Tax = price x (rate / 100)
Total = price + tax
Frequently Asked Questions About Sales Tax Calculator
A sales tax calculator determines the tax amount and final total price of a purchase based on the pre-tax price and applicable sales tax rate.
How is sales tax calculated?
Sales tax is calculated by multiplying the pre-tax price by the tax rate percentage. For example, a $100 item with 8.5% sales tax costs $8.50 in tax, for a total of $108.50. The formula is: tax amount = price × (tax rate / 100).
What is the typical sales tax rate?
US sales tax rates vary by state and locality, ranging from 0% (no sales tax in some states) to over 10%. Most states have rates between 5-8%. Some states have higher rates in certain cities. Check your local rate for accuracy.
Do all products have sales tax?
No. Most states exempt groceries, prescription medications, and certain medical equipment from sales tax. Some states also exempt clothing. Tax rules vary significantly by state, so an item may be taxed in one state but not another.
Is sales tax the only tax I pay on purchases?
In most cases, yes. However, some items have additional taxes: alcohol has excise taxes, gasoline has fuel taxes, and some cities charge additional local taxes. Most general retail purchases only have sales tax.
How do I know the exact tax rate for my area?
Check your state's Department of Revenue website or search "[your city] sales tax rate." Rates vary by city and county, so use your specific location's rate for accuracy. Local rates often include state tax plus city/county taxes combined.
Can I calculate backwards from total price to find the tax?
Yes. If you know the total price paid and the tax rate, divide the total price by (1 + tax rate as decimal). For example, if you paid $108.50 total at 8.5% tax: $108.50 / 1.085 = $100 (pre-tax price). The tax is $8.50.