Sales Tax Calculator

Free Sales Tax Calculator

This sales tax calculator works out the tax on a purchase and the total you pay, or splits the tax out of a total you already paid. Pick a US state and its statewide rate is filled in for you, then add your local rate for the exact figure. It covers all 50 states and Washington, DC.

State rates come from the Tax Foundation’s table of rates as of July 1, 2026. Everything runs in your browser, nothing is uploaded and there is no sign-up.

How to use the calculator

1. Choose what you want to do. “Add tax to a price” when you know the price on the tag. “Remove tax from a total” when you know what was paid and need the pre-tax price, for example for bookkeeping.
2. Enter the amount and quantity. The quantity multiplies the price, so you can price several of the same item at once.
3. Choose a state. The state rate is filled in. Add your local rate if you know it, or use the state’s average local rate as an estimate.
4. Read or copy the result. Use “Copy link with these settings” to share the same calculation with someone else.

How sales tax is calculated

Sales tax is a percentage of the taxable price:

• Sales tax = price × (state rate + local rate) ÷ 100
• Total = price + sales tax

Example: a $250 purchase in Texas with a 2% local rate is taxed at 6.25% + 2% = 8.25%. The tax is $250 × 0.0825 = $20.63 and the total is $270.63.

How to remove sales tax from a total

If you know the total and the rate, divide the total by 1 plus the rate as a decimal:

• Price before tax = total ÷ (1 + rate ÷ 100)
• Sales tax = total − price before tax

Example: a total of $54.13 at 8.25% gives $54.13 ÷ 1.0825 = $50.00 before tax and $4.13 in tax. Stores round tax on each line or on the whole order, so a reverse calculation can be off by a cent.

Sales tax rates by state (2026)

State rate, average local rate and average combined rate for every state and DC, as of July 1, 2026. Local averages are weighted by population, so your own local rate can be higher or lower.

Source: Tax Foundation, State and Local Sales Tax Rates, Midyear 2026. The Tax Foundation rounds to two decimals; the exact state rates for Minnesota (6.875%), Missouri (4.225%), New Jersey (6.625%) and New Mexico (4.875%) come from each state’s revenue department. California, Utah and Virginia figures include a statewide local add-on. New Jersey’s negative local average reflects Salem County’s lower rate.

States with no sales tax

Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon have no statewide sales tax. Alaska lets cities and boroughs charge their own, and the Tax Foundation puts the average local rate at 1.82%. Montana’s resort areas and New Hampshire’s meals and rooms tax are separate taxes that this calculator does not include.

Why your rate may be different

• Local and special district taxes. Cities, counties and transit or tourism districts add their own rates. Two stores a few miles apart can charge different totals.
• Exempt or reduced items. Many states exempt or reduce the tax on groceries, prescription drugs or clothing. The calculator assumes the full rate applies.
• Taxes on the seller. Hawaii’s general excise tax and New Mexico’s gross receipts tax are charged to the seller, who usually passes them on.
• Rate changes. Local rates change several times a year. For a business, use your state revenue department’s rate lookup for the exact address.

Limits of this calculator

This is an estimate for everyday purchases and quick bookkeeping. It is not tax advice and it does not handle exemptions, use tax, shipping rules or tax on services. If you collect sales tax as a business, confirm your rates and obligations with your state revenue department or a tax professional.

Sources: Tax Foundation, 2026 midyear sales tax rates; Minnesota Department of Revenue; Missouri Department of Revenue; New Jersey Division of Taxation. Checked October 2026.

Frequently asked questions

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