Sales Tax Calculator
Enter the price of an item and your local combined sales tax rate to get the exact tax amount and total cost. Sales tax rates vary by state, county, and city, so enter your own local combined rate for an accurate result.
How to calculate sales tax
Multiply the price by your combined sales tax rate divided by 100 to get the tax amount, then add it to the price for the total you pay. The combined rate is the sum of any state, county, and city sales tax that applies where the sale takes place, so look up your specific local rate rather than a national average.
Tax = price x (rate% / 100); total = price + tax
Worked example
A $50.00 item with an 8% combined sales tax rate.
- Sales tax: $50.00 x (8 / 100) = $4.00
- Total price: $50.00 + $4.00 = $54.00
Result: The item costs $54.00 total, including $4.00 of sales tax.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate sales tax?
Multiply the price by your sales tax rate divided by 100. An 8% tax on a $50.00 item is $50.00 x 0.08 = $4.00, giving a $54.00 total.
What is a combined sales tax rate?
It is the total of every sales tax that applies to a purchase: the state rate plus any county, city, or special-district rate stacked on top. Combined state and local sales tax rates in the US range from 0% up to over 9% depending on the jurisdiction, so the same item can cost a different amount of tax just a few miles apart.
Which states have no sales tax?
Oregon, Montana, New Hampshire, Delaware, and Alaska have no statewide sales tax. Alaska does allow some local governments to charge their own local sales tax, so a purchase there can still be taxed depending on the city or borough.
Where do I find my local combined sales tax rate?
Check your state's department of revenue website, your last store receipt, or your point-of-sale system, since the combined rate depends on the exact state, county, and city where the sale occurs. Enter that figure into the calculator to get an accurate tax and total for your area.
Is sales tax charged on every purchase?
No. Many states exempt certain categories such as groceries, prescription drugs, or clothing up to a limit, and the rules differ by state. Always check your local rules for the specific item you are buying if you expect an exemption.