How this sales tax calculator works
Sales tax is a percentage added to the price of taxable goods and services at the point of sale. To find it, you take the price and multiply it by the tax rate expressed as a decimal — so a 7.25% rate becomes 0.0725. The total you actually pay is the price plus that tax.
Each US state sets a base statewide rate, and this calculator fills that in when you choose your state. But the base rate is only the floor: most cities, counties and special districts add their own local sales tax on top, so the combined rate at the register can be noticeably higher. Because the rate field is editable, you can type in your full combined rate when you know it.
State base sales tax rates (a few examples)
| State | State base rate |
|---|---|
| California | 7.25% |
| Texas | 6.25% |
| New York | 4.00% |
| Florida | 6.00% |
| Colorado | 2.90% |
| Oregon | 0.00% |
Reference note: these are approximate state base rates and are stable from year to year, but local taxes are extra. Your combined rate depends on your exact city and county, so confirm your local rate before relying on a figure for filing or pricing.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I calculate sales tax?
- Multiply the price by the tax rate as a decimal. A $50 item at 7.25% has $50 × 0.0725 = $3.63 tax, for a $53.63 total. This calculator does the arithmetic once you enter the amount and rate.
- What is my state's sales tax rate?
- Pick your state and the calculator fills its base statewide rate — for example 7.25% for California or 6.25% for Texas. These are approximate base rates; local tax may be added on top, so confirm your exact local rate.
- Which states have no sales tax?
- Five states have no statewide sales tax: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon. Some of them, such as Alaska, still allow local jurisdictions to charge their own sales tax.
- How do I find the pre-tax price from a total?
- Divide the tax-inclusive total by one plus the rate as a decimal. A $53.63 total at 7.25% gives $53.63 ÷ 1.0725 = $50.00, with $3.63 as tax. Use reverse mode to do it automatically.
- Does this include local or city tax?
- No — the dropdown applies only the state base rate. Many cities and counties add local sales tax on top, so edit the rate field to enter your full combined rate including local tax.
- Is the sales tax rate the same across a state?
- No. The base state rate is the floor, but combined rates vary by city, county and special district, so two addresses in the same state can have different total rates. Always confirm the rate for your location.