Sales Tax Calculator
Formula
Tax = Price × Rate ÷ 100 | Total = Price + Tax
Multiply the pre-tax price by the sales tax rate (as a percentage) and divide by 100 to get the tax amount. Add the tax to the original price for the total.
How to use
- Enter the amount in the Price Before Tax field.
- Enter your local rate in the Tax Rate (%) field.
- Read the total price and the tax amount added.
Example
On a $100 purchase at 8.25%: tax is $100 × 8.25 ÷ 100 = $8.25, for a total price of $108.25.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average US sales tax rate?
The average combined state and local sales tax rate in the US is about 6.5-8.5%, varying significantly by state and city.
Which US states have no sales tax?
Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon have no state sales tax (though Alaska allows local sales taxes).
How do I calculate tax included in a price?
If tax is already included, divide the total by (1 + rate/100). For a $108.25 total at 8.25% tax: $108.25 ÷ 1.0825 = $100 pre-tax.
Why is sales tax different from store to store?
Sales tax is usually a combination of a statewide rate plus county, city, and sometimes special district rates, so the total can change as you cross a city or county line. Two stores a few miles apart can charge different rates for the identical item. This is also why online retailers calculate tax based on your shipping address rather than where the company is located.
Are groceries and other items exempt from sales tax?
It depends on the state — many states fully or partially exempt unprepared groceries, prescription medication, and sometimes clothing from sales tax, while prepared restaurant food is almost always taxed. A handful of states tax groceries at a reduced rate instead of exempting them. Because the rules vary so much, the taxable amount on a receipt may be less than your full purchase total.