Free Sales Tax Calculator

How it works

Pick whether you are adding tax to a price or removing it from a total that already includes tax, enter the amount and the tax rate — or tap a state preset — and this calculator shows the tax amount and the final figure, down to the cent.

How the math works

Adding tax is straightforward: tax = price × rate ÷ 100, and the total is price + tax. Removing tax from a total takes one extra step, because the tax was charged on the pre-tax price, not on the total: pre-tax price = total ÷ (1 + rate ÷ 100), and the tax portion is whatever is left. That is why you cannot find the tax in a $108.88 total just by taking 8.875% of $108.88 — you have to divide, not multiply.

Everyday uses

• Shopping and big purchases: know the true out-the-door price of a car, laptop, or appliance before you reach the register.
• Invoicing clients: add the correct tax to a quote, or split a tax-inclusive payment into net and tax for your records.
• Expense reports: pull the tax portion out of a receipt total when your employer or your books need it separated.
• Moving or buying across state lines: compare how the same purchase is taxed in different states.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Why does the preset rate differ from what I was charged? A: The presets are statewide base rates. Most states let cities, counties, and transit districts add their own percentage on top, which is why the combined rate in a place like Chicago or Los Angeles is higher than the state base. Enter your exact combined local rate for a precise figure.

Q: Which states have no sales tax? A: Oregon, Montana, New Hampshire, Delaware, and (mostly) Alaska have no statewide sales tax — hence the OR 0% preset. Some Alaskan localities do charge a local tax.

Q: Is sales tax calculated on the discounted price? A: Usually yes for store discounts — tax applies to the price after a store’s own discount. Manufacturer coupons are treated differently in some states and may be taxed on the pre-coupon price.