How do I calculate sales tax?
Multiply the price by the tax rate and divide by 100, then add it to the price: 80 at a 7.25% rate is 80 × 7.25 ÷ 100 = 5.80 in tax, so the total is 85.80. To find the price before tax from a total, divide by (1 + rate ÷ 100). FixDoks's Sales Tax Calculator does both.
Sales Tax Calculator at a glance
| Inputs | Amount, combined tax rate, add or remove |
|---|---|
| Output | Price before tax, tax, total |
| Processing | In your browser; your files are not uploaded |
| Price | Free |
| Works on | Chrome, Edge, Safari and Firefox on Windows, Mac, Android and iPhone |
How to use Sales Tax Calculator
- Choose Add Sales tax or Remove Sales tax.
- Enter the price or the total you paid.
- Enter your combined sales tax rate: the state rate plus any county and city rates.
- Read the tax and the total.
How sales tax is calculated
Tax = Price × Rate ÷ 100, and Total = Price + Tax.
Example: a purchase of 80 at a combined rate of 7.25% has 80 × 7.25 ÷ 100 = 5.80 in tax, for a total of 85.80.
Finding the price before tax
If you only have the total, divide it by (1 + rate ÷ 100). A total of 85.80 at 7.25% is 85.80 ÷ 1.0725 = 80.00. Subtracting 7.25% from the total would give the wrong figure.
Why there is no single US rate
In the United States, sales tax is set by states and, in most states, also by counties, cities and special districts, so the rate you pay depends on where the sale happens. Five states have no statewide sales tax: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon, although some local areas in Alaska and Montana do charge local taxes. Look up the combined rate for your address on your state's tax department website, then enter it here.
Which items are taxed
States decide which goods and services are taxable. Groceries, prescription medicines and clothing are exempt or taxed at a lower rate in some states and fully taxed in others. If part of your receipt is exempt, calculate the taxable part on its own.