Sales Tax Calculator
Add sales tax to a price to find the total you'll pay.
Try an example
$107.25
About this calculator
How This Sales Tax Calculator Works
Enter a pre-tax price and a sales tax rate, and the calculator adds the tax on top to show the total you'll actually pay.
Worked Example
A $100 purchase at a 7.25% sales tax rate adds $7.25 in tax, for a total of $107.25.
The Formula
Tax = Price × (Rate ÷ 100), then Total = Price + Tax.
Why Rates Vary So Much
In the US, sales tax isn't just one number — it's typically a combination of state, county, and sometimes city rates stacked together, which is why the same purchase can be taxed differently just a few miles apart. A handful of states (Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon) charge no statewide sales tax at all, though some still allow local taxes. Always use your specific local combined rate for an accurate figure — it's usually listed at checkout or available from your state's department of revenue.
Worked example
A $100 purchase with a 7.25% sales tax rate adds $7.25 in tax, for a total of $107.25.
Frequently asked questions
How is sales tax calculated?
Multiply the pre-tax price by the tax rate (as a decimal): 100 × 0.0725 = $7.25.
Why do rates vary so much by location?
Sales tax in the US is set by state, county, and sometimes city governments and stacked together, so the combined rate can differ block to block.
Is sales tax applied before or after a discount?
Almost always after — the discount lowers the price first, then tax is calculated on that lower amount.
Does this include tax-exempt items?
No — this assumes the full price is taxable. Some categories (groceries, prescription drugs) are exempt or taxed differently depending on jurisdiction.