Sales Tax Calculator
Add sales tax to a pre-tax price or back it out of a tax-inclusive total. Enter your amount, set your state or local rate, and the result updates instantly.
State base rates shown as examples. Local and county rates add on top — confirm your combined rate before using for transactions.
Calculations run entirely in your browser — nothing is sent to a server or stored. Figures are rounded to two decimal places. This tool is for estimates only and is not a substitute for advice from a tax professional.
How US Sales Tax Works
Unlike VAT systems used in the UK and Europe, the United States has no federal sales tax. Instead, 45 states (plus Washington D.C.) levy their own sales tax, and many allow cities, counties, and special taxing districts to add further rates on top. The result is over 10,000 distinct tax jurisdictions across the country, each with its own combined rate.
State base rates range from 0% (Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon) to 7.25% (California). But the base rate is rarely what you pay. In many areas a local add-on brings the combined rate to 8–10% or higher. For example, Chicago shoppers pay a combined city and county rate above 10% on top of Illinois's 6.25% state rate.
Adding vs. Backing Out Sales Tax
Adding sales tax to a pre-tax price is straightforward: multiply the price by the rate and add it on. A $200 item at 8% becomes $200 × 0.08 = $16 tax, so $216 total.
Backing sales tax out of a receipt is where people go wrong. Say you paid $216 and want the pre-tax figure. You divide by 1 plus the rate: $216 ÷ 1.08 = $200 — not $216 − 8% ($198.72), which is incorrect. The calculator above handles both directions; select the mode that matches what you already have.
A Note on Rates
The rate chips in the calculator show state base rates as starting points. Your actual combined rate almost certainly differs once local levies are included. To find the exact rate for a specific address, use your state revenue department's rate lookup tool or a service like the Sales Tax Institute's rate finder. This calculator gives accurate math for whatever rate you enter — treat the preset chips as a quick reference, not a definitive source.
Sales tax rules also vary by product category. Groceries are exempt in many states, clothing is partially exempt in New York, and some services are taxable in certain states but not others. For anything beyond a quick estimate, confirm the applicable rate and taxability with your state's revenue authority or a tax professional.
Need to put sales tax on an actual invoice? Build one in seconds with our free invoice generator, or download a ready-to-use invoice template. Also see our markup calculator if you need to price goods before applying tax.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I add sales tax to a price?
Multiply the pre-tax price by the tax rate and add the result. At 7.25%, a $100 item costs $100 × 0.0725 = $7.25 in tax, so the total is $107.25. Enter the pre-tax amount, set your rate, and choose "Add sales tax" — the calculator handles the rest.
How do I remove (back out) sales tax from a total?
Divide the tax-inclusive total by 1 plus the rate. At 7.25%, a $107.25 receipt ÷ 1.0725 = $100.00 pre-tax. Do not subtract the rate percentage directly — that gives the wrong answer. Use "Remove sales tax" mode and enter the amount you paid.
Is there a federal sales tax in the US?
No. The United States has no federal sales tax. Sales tax is imposed at the state level, and many states allow cities, counties, and special districts to add their own rate on top. That is why the effective rate you pay at the register can be higher than the state base rate.
Why does the rate vary so much by location?
Each US state sets its own base rate, and local jurisdictions can layer additional rates on top. For example, California's state base rate is 7.25%, but some cities in Los Angeles County charge a combined rate above 10%. Always check the combined rate for your specific city and county before using any figures for transactions.
Is this calculator accurate enough for filing taxes?
It is accurate for quick estimates — the math is exact. However, sales tax filing involves knowing the correct rate for each transaction, which depends on the exact location and type of goods or services sold. For filing, consult your state's revenue department or a tax professional.