Sales Tax Calculator
Work out how much sales tax to add to a purchase. Enter the amount before tax and the tax rate to see the tax and the total.
About the Sales Tax Calculator
This calculator adds sales tax to a pre-tax amount so you know the full price at the register. It multiplies your subtotal by the tax rate to find the tax owed, then adds that to the subtotal for the grand total. It suits US-style sales tax, where the rate varies by state, county and city, as well as any flat consumption tax quoted as a percentage.
How to use it
- Enter the amount before tax, the listed or shelf price.
- Enter the tax rate as a percent, for example
8.25. - See the tax amount and the total with tax.
A useful note: US sales tax is normally added on top of the displayed price, unlike VAT or GST in many countries that is already baked in. Combined local rates can differ even between neighbouring towns, so confirm the rate that applies at the point of sale. Every calculation happens in your browser, so your amounts are never uploaded.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate sales tax on a purchase?
Multiply the pre-tax amount by the tax rate divided by 100. For a 50 item at 8.25 percent, the tax is 50 x 0.0825 = 4.13, making the total 54.13.
What sales tax rate should I enter?
Use the combined rate for the location of the sale, which can include state, county and city portions. Rates vary widely, so check the rate for the specific jurisdiction where you are buying.
Is sales tax the same as VAT or GST?
Not quite. US sales tax is added on top of the shown price at checkout, while VAT and GST are often already included in the displayed price. Use the GST calculator for inclusive-style taxes.
Does this tool store the figures I enter?
No. The calculation is done locally in your browser, so the amount and rate you type are never sent to a server or saved.