Sales Tax Calculator
Enter a price and tax rate, then choose whether to add tax to a pre-tax price or remove tax from a total that already includes it.
| Pre-tax price | |
| Sales tax | |
| Total (with tax) |
How to calculate sales tax
To add sales tax, multiply the pre-tax price by the tax rate divided by 100, then add that tax to the price. On a $49.99 item with a 7.25% rate, the tax is 49.99 × 0.0725 = $3.62, so the total is $53.61.
To remove sales tax from a price that already includes it, divide the total by 1 plus the rate as a decimal. If a receipt shows $53.61 at 7.25%, the pre-tax price is 53.61 ÷ 1.0725 = $49.99, and the tax portion is the difference, $3.62. Note that you divide — you don't simply subtract 7.25% of the total, which would give the wrong answer.
Sales tax rates in the US combine state, county, and city rates, so the rate you pay depends on where the sale happens. Check your local combined rate before calculating.
Frequently asked questions
How do I remove sales tax from a total?
Divide the tax-inclusive total by 1 plus the rate as a decimal. For a $107 total at 7% tax, the pre-tax price is 107 ÷ 1.07 = $100, and the tax is $7. Subtracting 7% of the total instead would give an incorrect, lower pre-tax figure.
What is a typical sales tax rate in the US?
Combined state and local rates typically range from 0% to about 10%. A few states, such as Oregon, Montana, New Hampshire, and Delaware, charge no state sales tax, while cities in states like Louisiana and Washington can exceed 9%.
Is sales tax charged on the price before or after discounts?
In most jurisdictions, sales tax applies to the actual amount you pay after store discounts and coupons are applied, though rules for manufacturer coupons and rebates can vary by state.