Sales Tax Calculator

Calculate the sales tax amount and total price for a purchase, using whatever combined state and local tax rate applies where you're shopping.

Calculator

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How It Works

Enter the price before tax and the combined sales tax rate that applies to your purchase. The calculator multiplies the price by the tax rate to find the tax amount, then adds it to the price for your total.

Not included: This calculator does not look up tax rates for you — U.S. sales tax rates vary by state, county, and city, and some categories of goods are taxed differently or exempt.

Formula

Tax = Price × (Rate ÷ 100); Total = Price + Tax
  • Price — Price before tax
  • Rate — Combined sales tax rate, as a percentage

Example

Example inputs: Price $249.99, tax rate 7.25%.

Result: Sales tax amount: $18.12. Total price: $268.11.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tax rate should I use?

Use the combined state, county, and city rate that applies at the point of sale. Rates vary across the U.S. and change periodically — check your state or local tax authority's website for the current rate in your area.

Are all purchases taxed the same way?

No. Many states exempt or reduce tax on categories like groceries, prescription medication, or clothing, and some apply different rates to services versus goods. This calculator applies a single flat rate to the full price you enter.

Can I use this to back into a pre-tax price from a total?

Not directly — this calculator adds tax to a pre-tax price. To reverse it, divide your total by (1 + rate/100) to estimate the pre-tax price.

This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice.