Sales tax calculator
Add tax to a price, or find the pre-tax price hidden inside a total.
Total with tax
Price before tax
How to calculate sales tax
Sales tax is a percentage added to the price of most goods and services at checkout. To add it, multiply the price by the tax rate and add it on. To work backwards from a receipt total, divide by one plus the rate to recover the pre-tax price.
The formulas
price before tax = total ÷ (1 + rate)
Worked example
A $100 item at a 7.5% sales tax rate costs 100 × 1.075 = $107.50, of which $7.50 is tax. Working the other way, a $107.50 total at 7.5% comes from a pre-tax price of 107.50 ÷ 1.075 = $100.00.
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate sales tax?
Multiply the item price by the tax rate written as a decimal. For example, 7.5% is 0.075, so a $40 item has $3 of tax and costs $43. This calculator does both the tax and the new total for you.
How do you find the price before tax?
Divide the total you paid by one plus the tax rate. A $53.50 total at a 7% rate came from a pre-tax price of 53.50 ÷ 1.07 = $50. Use the "Find pre-tax" tab above.
Why is the sales tax rate different where I live?
In the US, sales tax is set by states, counties, and cities, so the combined rate varies widely by location. Enter your own local rate for an accurate result.
Is sales tax applied before or after a discount?
Almost always after. Discounts are taken off the price first, and tax is charged on the reduced amount.
Do all US states charge sales tax?
No. Five states (Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon) have no statewide sales tax, though some still allow local taxes.