How to use the Sales Tax Calculator
- 1 Choose Add sales tax for a price before tax, or Remove sales tax if your total already includes it.
- 2 Type the price in dollars.
- 3 Enter the combined rate: your state rate plus any county and city rate. Your receipt or your state revenue department shows the exact figure.
- 4 Read the price before tax, the sales tax and the total, then press Copy result if you need the numbers elsewhere.
Worked example
$250 at a combined 8.875% rate. Sales tax = 250 × 8.875% = $22.19, so the total is $272.19. Working back from the receipt, $272.19 ÷ 1.08875 = $250.00 before tax. At a 0% rate, as in Oregon, you would simply pay $250.
Features
Add or remove tax
Work forward from a shelf price or backward from a receipt total, using the correct division rather than a rough percentage off.
Any combined rate
Rates differ by state, county and city, so you enter the rate that applies to you, including decimals such as 8.875%.
Clear working
The formula line under the result shows exactly how the tax and total were worked out, so you can check it.
When to use it
Budgeting a purchase
See the real cost of a laptop or furniture before checkout, when the shelf price does not include tax.
Expense reports
Split a receipt total into the pre-tax amount and the sales tax for a company expense claim.
Small sellers
Online and market sellers can check how much sales tax to collect on a sale at their local rate.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate sales tax?
Multiply the price by the rate. For $100 at 8%, the tax is $100 × 0.08 = $8, so you pay $108.
How do I find the price before tax from a total?
Divide the total by 1 plus the rate. For a $108 total at 8%, the price before tax is $108 ÷ 1.08 = $100 and the tax is $8.
Which states have no sales tax?
Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon have no statewide sales tax, according to the Tax Foundation's 2026 figures. Some Alaska localities still charge a local sales tax.
What rate should I use?
Use the combined rate: the state rate plus any county, city or special district rate where the sale happens. California has the highest state rate at 7.25%, and local taxes push many combined rates higher.
Is sales tax charged on everything?
No. Many states exempt or reduce tax on groceries, prescription drugs and some clothing. Check your state revenue department for the items you buy or sell.
Results are estimates based on the official rates linked above. Confirm important figures with the issuing authority or a qualified adviser before you act on them.
Reviewed by ToolsUnlocked Team · Last updated