Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate total price including state and local sales tax.
Avoid sticker shock at the register. Use our **Sales Tax Calculator** to instantly add state and local taxes to any price tag, giving you the real "out-the-door" cost.
Purchase Details
Total Price
Cost Breakdown
What is Sales Tax Calculator?
What is Sales Tax?
Sales tax is a **consumption tax** charged by the government on the sale of retail goods and services. The seller collects it from you at the point of sale and passes it on to the state.
Unlike VAT (Value Added Tax) in Europe which is included in the sticker price, sales tax in the US is added **on top** of the listed price. This often leads to confusion about how much an item actually costs.
Who Should Use This?
- Shoppers: Planning for a big purchase like a laptop or TV.
- Travelers: Visiting a state with a higher tax rate than home.
- Small Business Owners: Quickly estimating tax to charge a client.
Why This Tool is Useful
Mental math with percentages like 7.25% or 8.875% is difficult. This calculator handles the decimals precisely, ensuring you know exactly how much cash to bring.
How to Use This Calculator
Two simple steps:
- Price Before Tax ($): The amount on the price tag or shelf label.
- Sales Tax Rate (%): The combined rate for your location (State + County + City). Check the "State Rates" table below if unsure.
Pro Tip: The "Layer Cake" Effect
The rate you pay is often higher than the quote "State Rate" because cities and counties pile their own local taxes on top. For example, California's state rate is 7.25%, but in Los Angeles, the total rate is **9.5%**. Always check local rates!
Formula & Calculation
The math is straightforward multiplication.
Example:
- Price: $100
- Rate: 8% (0.08)
- Tax: $100 × 0.08 = $8
- Total: $100 + $8 = $108
Example Calculation
Example 1: Buying a Laptop
Scenario: You see a MacBook for **$1,299**. You live in Seattle, WA (approx 10.25% tax).
Total Cost: $1,432.15
Impact: The tax alone is the price of a decent pair of headphones. Always budget for the "after-tax" price.
Example 2: The Car Purchase
Scenario: Buying a $30,000 car in a state with 6% tax vs a state with 0% tax (like Oregon).
- Typical State (6%): Tax = $1,800. Total = $31,800.
- Oregon (0%): Tax = $0. Total = $30,000.
Tip: You usually pay sales tax based on where you register the car, not where you buy it, so crossing state lines typically won't save you money on autos.
Reference Tables
State Sales Tax Benchmarks (Approx)
Combined average rates (State + Local) vary by city.
| State | Avg Combined Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | ~9.55% | One of the highest averages |
| Louisiana | ~9.52% | High local taxes |
| New York | ~8.52% | NYC is 8.875% |
| Texas | ~8.20% | No state income tax |
| Delaware | 0.00% | Tax-Free Shopping |
Why use this calculator?
- Accuracy: Our calculator handles the standard rounding rules used by retailers (rounding up to the nearest cent).
- Simplicity: No need to convert percentages to decimals (e.g. 8% → 0.08) in your head. Just type "8".
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Which states have NO sales tax?
The "NOMAD" states: New Hampshire, Oregon, Montana, Alaska, and Delaware. (Though Alaska allows local municipalities to charge tax).
Do I pay tax on online purchases?
Yes. Since the 2018 Wayfair ruling, almost all major online retailers collect sales tax based on the shipping address.
Is food taxed?
It depends. Grocery items (unprepared food) are often tax-exempt. Restaurant meals (prepared food) are almost always fully taxed.
Are services taxed?
Traditionally, goods were taxed and services (like haircuts or consulting) were not. However, many states are now expanding sales tax to cover services like streaming subscriptions, gym memberships, and repairs.
Key Terms & Definitions
Disclaimer: Sales tax rates are subject to change and vary by exact street address due to local district taxes. This tool provides an estimate based on the rate you enter.
Last Updated: January 2026