Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate Sales Tax
Enter the original price and the sales tax percentage to instantly see the tax amount and total price you will pay at checkout.
Because sales tax varies by state, county, and city, prices in the United States are almost always listed before tax. Use this tool to avoid surprises at the register.
How to Use this Calculator
Using the calculator is simple:
- Input Price: Enter the price of the item before tax (e.g., 100).
- Input Tax Rate: Enter the sales tax percentage for your area (e.g., 7.25).
- View Total: The blue results card will automatically calculate the tax cost and final total.
Tip: You can use the Quick Select checkbox to automatically fill in the base sales tax rates for common US states.
Similar Calculators
Sales Tax Formula
To calculate the sales tax amount on an item, you multiply the original price by the sales tax rate (divided by 100 to convert it from a percentage to a decimal).
Tax Amount = Original Price × (Tax Rate ÷ 100)
To find the final checkout price, you simply add that calculated tax amount to the original price.
Total Price = Original Price + Tax Amount
Example
If you are buying a $50.00 item with a 6% sales tax:
Tax = 50 × (6 ÷ 100) = 50 × 0.06 = $3.00
Total = 50 + 3.00 = $53.00
Therefore, you will pay exactly $53.00 at the register.
Common Use Cases & Examples
People frequently need to calculate sales tax when budgeting for large purchases. Here are some common examples:
| Purchase | Price & Rate | Why Users Need It | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buying a Car | $25,000 at 7% | Estimating out-the-door auto costs | $26,750 |
| New Electronics | $1,000 laptop at 8.25% | Budgeting for tech purchases | $1,082.50 |
| Groceries/Retail | $150 at 5% | Checking cash before checkout | $157.50 |
| Business Expenses | $5,000 equipment at 6% | Calculating capital for business | $5,300 |
States with Zero Sales Tax
While most US states charge a base sales tax, there are exactly five states that have 0% statewide sales tax. If you live or shop here, the price on the tag is exactly what you pay!
- Alaska (Note: Local municipalities may still charge local tax)
- Delaware
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- Oregon
State-Specific Sales Tax Calculators
Alabama
Calculate Alabama state and local sales taxes
California
Calculate California state and local sales taxes
New York
Calculate New York state and local sales taxes
Ohio
Calculate Ohio state and county sales taxes
Texas
Calculate Texas state and local sales taxes
Utah
Calculate Utah state and local sales taxes