Sales Tax Calculator
Add sales tax to a price or remove it from a total.
How to calculate sales tax
- Add tax: tax = price × rate ÷ 100, and total = price + tax. In one step, total = price × (1 + rate ÷ 100).
- Remove tax: price before tax = total ÷ (1 + rate ÷ 100), and the tax is the difference.
Worked examples
- Adding tax: a $100 item with 8.25% sales tax has $8.25 of tax, so the total is $108.25.
- Removing tax: a total of $108.25 at 8.25% is $108.25 ÷ 1.0825 = $100.00 before tax.
- A smaller price: $49.99 at 7% tax is $3.50 of tax, for a total of $53.49.
Where to find your sales tax rate
In the United States there is no single national sales tax. States, counties and cities can each add their own, and some states have no statewide sales tax at all. The rate on your receipt is the most reliable number. You can also check your state or local tax authority's website.
Frequently asked questions
How do I work out the price before tax?
Divide the total by 1 plus the tax rate as a decimal. For an 8.25% rate, divide by 1.0825. Subtracting 8.25% of the total instead gives the wrong answer because the tax was calculated on the smaller price.
Is sales tax the same everywhere?
No. Rates vary by location, and some items such as groceries or clothing may be taxed at a lower rate or not at all, depending on where you are.
Is sales tax calculated before or after a discount?
Usually after. The discount lowers the price first, and tax is charged on what remains. Check your receipt if a coupon or store promotion behaves differently.
What is the difference between sales tax and VAT?
Sales tax is charged once, at the final sale. VAT (value-added tax), used in many other countries, is collected at each stage of production and is usually already included in the shelf price.
Results are estimates for general information. Check the rate that applies to your purchase.