Sales Tax Calculator
Add sales tax to a price, or start from a receipt total and pull the tax back out — both directions, one tool.
How it works
Adding tax is straightforward: multiply the price by the tax rate and tack it on. At an 8.25 percent rate, a $100 order carries $8.25 of tax for a $108.25 total.
Working backwards is the part people get wrong. You can't just subtract 8.25 percent from the total — you divide by 1.0825 instead. Flip the calculator to "remove tax" and it does that for you, which is handy for expense reports and splitting out tax on a receipt.
Rates vary a lot by state, county, and city, and some items are exempt. Use your local combined rate for the closest estimate; the calculator itself works with whatever rate you enter.
Frequently asked questions
How do I add sales tax to a price?
Multiply the price by the tax rate as a decimal, then add it back. For 8 percent on $50, that's $4 of tax and a $54 total. Enter the price and rate and the calculator shows the tax and total instantly.
How do I find the pre-tax price from a total?
Divide the total by one plus the tax rate — not subtract the percentage. A $108.25 total at 8.25 percent came from a $100 pre-tax price. Switch the tool to "remove tax from total" and it handles the division.
What sales tax rate should I use?
Use your local combined rate, which stacks state, county, and sometimes city taxes. Five US states have no statewide sales tax at all. If you're not sure, your last receipt usually shows the effective rate.