Add sales tax to any price, or run it in reverse to pull the pre-tax price out of a tax-included total. Enter an amount and your combined rate for instant results.
How to Calculate Sales Tax
Sales tax is a percentage added to the price of taxable goods and services at checkout. To find it, multiply the pre-tax price by the tax rate expressed as a decimal, then add it back to the price for the total. The only tricky part is that the rate you pay is usually a combined rate — the state rate plus any county, city, and special-district rates stacked on top.
The Formula
Sales tax = price × (rate ÷ 100). Total = price + sales tax, which is the same as price × (1 + rate ÷ 100). A $100 purchase at a 7.5% combined rate carries $7.50 of tax and a $107.50 total.
Reverse Sales Tax — Working Backward From a Total
Sometimes you have the final total and need the pre-tax price — say, to record the taxable amount for a business expense. Divide the total by one plus the rate: a $107.50 total at 7.5% breaks down to $100.00 pre-tax and $7.50 of tax. Switch this tool to reverse mode and it handles the division for you. If you are pricing products for a business, our profit margin calculator pairs well with this one.
Tip: Sales tax is destination-based in most states, meaning the rate is set by where the buyer receives the item, not where the seller is located. For online orders, use the shipping address rate.
Combined Rates Vary a Lot
Five states charge no statewide sales tax at all, while combined rates elsewhere can top 9% or even 10% in some cities. Because local add-ons change from one zip code to the next, always confirm the rate for the exact location. Building a larger purchase budget? The 50/30/20 budget calculator can help you fit taxed spending into your plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate sales tax?
Multiply the pre-tax price by the sales tax rate written as a decimal. For a $100 item at a 7% rate, the tax is 100 × 0.07 = $7, and the total is $107. To combine a state and local rate, add them together first — for example 6% state plus 1.5% local equals a 7.5% combined rate.
How do I calculate reverse sales tax from a total?
Divide the tax-inclusive total by one plus the rate as a decimal. If a receipt total is $107.00 at a 7% rate, the pre-tax price is 107 ÷ 1.07 = $100.00, and the tax portion is $7.00. Switch this calculator to reverse mode to do it automatically.
What is the sales tax rate in my state?
Combined rates vary widely — from 0% in states like Oregon, Delaware, Montana, and New Hampshire to over 9% in parts of Louisiana, Tennessee, and Arkansas once local taxes are added. Because city and county rates stack on top of the state rate, the exact rate depends on the delivery or purchase address. Enter your local combined rate for an accurate result.
Is sales tax charged on the item price or the total?
Sales tax is charged on the taxable item price, before tax. Discounts and coupons usually reduce the taxable amount, while shipping may or may not be taxable depending on the state. Tips and certain fees are generally not taxed.
Are groceries and clothing taxed?
It depends on the state. Many states exempt groceries and prescription drugs, and a few exempt clothing under a price threshold. Others tax food at a reduced rate. This calculator applies whatever rate you enter, so use 0% or a reduced rate for exempt categories.