How do I calculate sales tax?

Multiply the pre-tax price by the combined rate as a decimal. At 8.85%, a $250 sale carries $22.13 of tax. To go the other way, divide the total by 1.0885.

Which rate applies — where I am or where the buyer is?

Most states are destination-based, meaning the buyer's address decides the rate. A handful use the seller's location for in-state sales. If you ship across state lines, economic nexus rules may require you to register in the buyer's state.

Why is the rate here only an average?

Because the United States has thousands of taxing jurisdictions and the exact rate depends on the street address. We show the state's typical combined rate as a starting point and let you type the precise one.

Is sales tax the same as VAT?

No. Sales tax is charged once, at the final sale to the consumer. VAT is collected at every stage of the chain, with businesses reclaiming what they paid on inputs.

Free calculator

Sales Tax Calculator

Add sales tax to a price or strip it back out, for any US state. Rates start at the state average and you can type your own.

Which way round

Amount excluding tax

Rate

Or type your own rate

Including tax

$109.29

Excluding tax: $100.00
Tax at 9.29%: $9.29
Including tax: $109.29

A worked example

A $250 sale in California. The statewide rate is 7.25%, but the average once district taxes are included is about 8.85% — and in parts of Los Angeles County it is higher still.

Price before tax	$250.00
Sales tax at 8.85%	$22.13
Total charged	$272.13

Five states — Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon — have no statewide sales tax, though Alaska allows local ones.

Common questions

How do I calculate sales tax?: Multiply the pre-tax price by the combined rate as a decimal. At 8.85%, a $250 sale carries $22.13 of tax. To go the other way, divide the total by 1.0885.
Which rate applies — where I am or where the buyer is?: Most states are destination-based, meaning the buyer's address decides the rate. A handful use the seller's location for in-state sales. If you ship across state lines, economic nexus rules may require you to register in the buyer's state.
Why is the rate here only an average?: Because the United States has thousands of taxing jurisdictions and the exact rate depends on the street address. We show the state's typical combined rate as a starting point and let you type the precise one.
Is sales tax the same as VAT?: No. Sales tax is charged once, at the final sale to the consumer. VAT is collected at every stage of the chain, with businesses reclaiming what they paid on inputs.