Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate total cost including sales tax.
Σ The Formula
Real World Examples
# About This Calculator
Sales tax is a consumption tax imposed by governments on the sale of goods and services. In the United States, sales tax rates vary significantly by state, county, and city, ranging from 0% (in states like Oregon and New Hampshire) to over 10% in some California cities. Understanding sales tax helps you budget accurately and avoid checkout surprises.
Sales tax is typically added at the point of purchase and collected by retailers who then remit it to the government. The tax applies to most tangible goods, though many states exempt groceries, prescription medications, and clothing. Services may or may not be taxed depending on the jurisdiction.
The calculation is straightforward: multiply the pre-tax price by the tax rate (as a decimal), then add that amount to the original price. For example, a $100 item with 8% tax costs $108 total ($100 + $8). This simple calculation helps you determine your actual out-of-pocket cost before reaching the register.
This calculator is essential for budgeting purchases, comparing prices across different tax jurisdictions, verifying receipts, and understanding the true cost of items. It's particularly useful for online shopping where tax may not be displayed until checkout, or when shopping in unfamiliar locations.
How To Use
- Enter net price.
- Enter tax rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do sales tax rates vary so much by location?+
Are there items that are tax-exempt?+
How do I calculate the original price if I only know the total with tax?+
Do I pay sales tax on online purchases?+
Which states have no sales tax?+
Is Sales Tax Calculator free to use?+
About
Sales tax is a consumption tax imposed by governments on the sale of goods and services. In the United States, sales tax rates vary significantly by state, county, and city, ranging from 0% (in states like Oregon and New Hampshire) to over 10% in some California cities. Understanding sales tax helps you budget accurately and avoid checkout surprises.
Sales tax is typically added at the point of purchase and collected by retailers who then remit it to the government. The tax applies to most tangible goods, though many states exempt groceries, prescription medications, and clothing. Services may or may not be taxed depending on the jurisdiction.
The calculation is straightforward: multiply the pre-tax price by the tax rate (as a decimal), then add that amount to the original price. For example, a $100 item with 8% tax costs $108 total ($100 + $8). This simple calculation helps you determine your actual out-of-pocket cost before reaching the register.
This calculator is essential for budgeting purchases, comparing prices across different tax jurisdictions, verifying receipts, and understanding the true cost of items. It's particularly useful for online shopping where tax may not be displayed until checkout, or when shopping in unfamiliar locations.