Sales Tax Calculator
Add Tax to Price
Back Out Tax from Total
Show the math
What Your Result Means
- Tax Amount: The dollar value of sales tax on your purchase, computed as price multiplied by the tax rate. This is what the retailer collects and remits to the state and local government.
- Total Price: The shelf price plus tax — the amount that will actually appear on your receipt and be charged to your payment method.
- Price Before Tax (reverse): The pre-tax amount embedded in a tax-inclusive total. Useful when a receipt shows only the final amount and you need to back out the tax component.
- Typical rates: Combined state and local sales tax rates in the U.S. generally range from about 4% to over 10%, depending on the state, county, and city.
How This Calculator Works
You enter the price before tax and the combined sales tax rate as a percentage. The tool multiplies price by rate to get the tax amount, then adds it to the original price for the total. The reverse section divides a tax-inclusive total by (1 + rate) to extract the pre-tax price. It assumes a single flat rate applied to the full purchase amount.
Quick Questions
What rate should I enter?
Enter the combined state plus local rate that applies where your purchase is made. You can find this on your state's department of revenue website or on a recent receipt. Some cities add their own surcharge on top of the state rate.
Are all items taxed at the same rate?
No. Most states exempt or reduce rates on groceries, prescription drugs, and clothing. Some localities add extra taxes on prepared food, alcohol, or lodging. Check your state's tax authority for item-specific rules.
How does sales tax differ from VAT?
Sales tax is collected once at the point of final sale and is typically shown separately on the receipt. VAT (value-added tax) is collected at every stage of production and is usually included in the listed price. The U.S. uses sales tax; most other countries use VAT.
Does this work for online purchases?
Yes. Since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling in South Dakota v. Wayfair, most online retailers collect sales tax based on the buyer's shipping address. Enter the combined rate for your location.
Sources
- Tax Policy Center — State & Local Sales Tax Collections (rate data by state)
- Investopedia — Sales Tax (how sales tax works, exemptions)
- South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc. (2018) (online sales tax ruling)
Method & review
Estimate only. Results reflect your inputs and standard formulas — they are not financial, tax, legal, health, or investment advice. Verify important decisions with a qualified professional.