Sales Tax Calculator
Enter any price and tax rate to instantly see the exact tax amount and total cost. Works for any US state, county, or custom rate.
Sales Tax
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Total Amount
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Common State Tax Rates
What This Calculator Does
- ✓Instant calculation — Enter price + rate and get tax amount and total price immediately.
- ✓Any rate supported — Works for any combined state, county, and city rate — not just preset options.
- ✓Reverse calculation — Know the total you paid? Find the original pre-tax price and tax amount.
- ✓100% free — No signup, no ads blocking the tool, no limits on calculations.
What Is Sales Tax?
Sales tax is a consumption tax imposed by a government on the sale of goods and services. In the United States, sales tax is administered at the state, county, and city level — there is no federal sales tax. This means the rate you pay depends entirely on where you are buying and, in some cases, what you are buying. Rates range from 0% in states like Oregon, Montana, New Hampshire, Delaware, and Alaska, all the way up to a combined state-and-local rate exceeding 11% in some Louisiana parishes.
When you purchase an item, the retailer collects the tax from you at the point of sale, then periodically remits it to the relevant tax authority. As a buyer, understanding how sales tax is calculated helps you budget accurately — especially for large purchases like electronics, appliances, cars, or furniture where the tax can add hundreds of dollars to the final price.
How to Calculate Sales Tax
The formula is straightforward. There are two numbers you need: the pre-tax price and the tax rate. From those, you can find both the tax amount and the total price including tax.
Tax Amount = Pre-Tax Price × (Tax Rate ÷ 100)
Total Price = Pre-Tax Price + Tax Amount
Or combined: Total Price = Pre-Tax Price × (1 + Tax Rate ÷ 100)
Example 1: Buying a $250 TV in a state with 8% sales tax
Tax Amount = $250 × 0.08 = $20.00
Total Price = $250 + $20 = $270.00
Example 2: Restaurant bill of $85 with a 9.5% combined rate
Tax Amount = $85 × 0.095 = $8.08
Total Price = $85 + $8.08 = $93.08
Example 3: Back-calculating the pre-tax price from a total
If you paid $108 and the tax rate was 8%: Pre-Tax Price = $108 ÷ 1.08 = $100.00
Tax Paid = $108 − $100 = $8.00
US State Sales Tax Rates at a Glance
The table below shows the base state sales tax rate. Most purchases are also subject to county and city taxes on top of the state rate, so the actual rate you pay is usually higher. California, for example, has a base rate of 7.25% but many cities in Los Angeles County collect over 10.25%.
| State | Base State Rate | Avg. Combined Rate | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | 0% | 0% | No sales tax |
| Montana | 0% | 0% | No sales tax |
| New Hampshire | 0% | 0% | No sales tax |
| Delaware | 0% | 0% | No sales tax |
| Alaska | 0% | 1.82% | Local taxes only |
| Hawaii | 4% | 4.44% | General excise tax |
| Wisconsin | 5% | 5.43% | |
| Maine | 5.5% | 5.50% | No local tax |
| Texas | 6.25% | 8.20% | High local rates |
| Florida | 6% | 7.02% | |
| New York | 4% | 8.52% | NYC ~8.875% |
| California | 7.25% | 8.85% | Highest base rate |
| Louisiana | 4.45% | 9.55% | Highest combined avg. |
| Tennessee | 7% | 9.55% | High local rates |
| Arkansas | 6.5% | 9.47% |
Rates are approximate and subject to change. Always verify with your state tax authority before making tax-related decisions.
What Is (and Is Not) Subject to Sales Tax?
Not everything is taxable. States frequently exempt certain categories of goods, especially necessities. The exemptions differ significantly from state to state, which is why the same shopping trip can cost you a different effective rate depending on where you buy.
Commonly Exempt (varies by state)
- Unprepared groceries and food for home use
- Prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medicines (many states)
- Agricultural equipment and supplies
- Medical devices and equipment
- Resale items (with valid resale certificate)
- Children's clothing (several northeastern states)
- Textbooks and educational materials (some states)
Generally Taxable
- Electronics and appliances
- Clothing (most states)
- Restaurant meals and prepared food
- Furniture and home goods
- Software and digital downloads (increasingly)
- Streaming services (many states)
- Vehicles (at point of sale)
- Jewelry and luxury goods
Online Shopping and Sales Tax: The 2018 Rule Change
Before June 2018, online retailers without a physical presence in your state were generally not required to collect sales tax from you — a rule that dated back to a 1992 Supreme Court case (Quill Corp. v. North Dakota). In June 2018, that all changed with South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc., where the Supreme Court ruled that states can require out-of-state sellers to collect and remit sales tax even without a physical presence (called "economic nexus").
Today, virtually every state with a sales tax has enacted economic nexus laws, typically triggering once an online retailer exceeds $100,000 in sales or 200 transactions in that state within a year. In practice, this means almost every online purchase from a major retailer now includes sales tax. Smaller marketplaces and private sellers may still not collect it — leaving the buyer technically responsible for reporting "use tax" on those purchases (though compliance is extremely low).
Practical Tips for Managing Sales Tax
Plan large purchases around sales tax holidays
Many states hold annual tax-free weekends, typically in August before school starts, covering clothing, school supplies, and sometimes computers. Some states also have energy-efficiency or storm-preparedness holidays.
Compare prices across nearby state lines
If you live near a state border, it may be worth driving across for large purchases. Buying a $2,000 laptop in Oregon (0%) vs. California (8.85%) saves you $177. Factor in travel time and gas.
Business owners: claim sales tax exemptions properly
If you are buying goods for resale or manufacturing, you can often purchase exempt from sales tax with a valid resale or exemption certificate. Keep documentation because audits do happen.
Watch for destination vs. origin sourcing
Some states tax based on where the buyer is (destination), others where the seller is (origin). This matters for small businesses shipping goods — use a tax compliance tool if you sell across state lines.
Keep receipts for potential deductions
If you itemize deductions on your federal return, you can deduct either state income tax or state and local sales tax — whichever is higher. Keeping receipts of major purchases helps maximize this deduction.
Disclaimer:The sales tax information on this page is for educational and estimation purposes only. Tax rates change frequently and vary by jurisdiction, product type, and transaction details. This calculator does not constitute tax advice. For accurate rates applicable to a specific transaction, consult your state's department of revenue or a qualified tax professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate sales tax on a purchase?▼
Multiply the pre-tax price by the tax rate as a decimal. For example, $200 at 8% tax: $200 × 0.08 = $16 tax, giving a total of $216. Use the calculator above to do this instantly.
Which US states have no sales tax?▼
Five states have no statewide sales tax: Oregon, Montana, New Hampshire, Delaware, and Alaska. Note that Alaska allows local municipalities to charge their own tax, so some Alaskan cities do have a rate.
Is food subject to sales tax?▼
Most states exempt unprepared groceries (items you take home and cook) from sales tax. Prepared foods — restaurant meals, takeout, or ready-to-eat items — are typically taxable in states that have a sales tax.
Do I pay sales tax when shopping online?▼
Yes. Since the 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair Supreme Court decision, online retailers must collect sales tax in states where they exceed economic nexus thresholds (typically $100,000 in sales). Most large retailers now collect tax in all applicable states.
What is the highest sales tax rate in the US?▼
Louisiana and Tennessee have the highest average combined state and local sales tax rates, exceeding 9.5%. Some individual localities — like certain parishes in Louisiana — can reach over 11% when all layers are added together.
Can I deduct sales tax on my federal taxes?▼
Yes, if you itemize deductions on your federal return (Schedule A), you can deduct either state income tax or state and local sales tax — whichever is greater. Keeping receipts of major purchases helps maximize this deduction.