Sales Tax Calculator

Understanding Sales Tax

Sales tax is a percentage added to the purchase price of goods and services. The rate varies by state and locality in the United States, ranging from 0% (Oregon, Montana, Delaware, New Hampshire) to over 10% in some cities when state and local taxes combine.

How to Calculate Sales Tax

Tax Amount = Price × Tax Rate ÷ 100. Total Price = Price + Tax Amount. For example, a $49.99 item at 7% tax: $49.99 × 0.07 = $3.50 tax. Total = $53.49.

Sales Tax by State

Select your state for a calculator pre-loaded with your state's rate:

View full state-by-state breakdown →

How to Use a Sales Tax Calculator Well

A sales tax calculator is most useful when you treat it as a final-price checker rather than a rough estimate. Enter the pre-tax amount, confirm the rate that actually applies where you are shopping, and compare the output to the receipt before you pay. This is especially helpful for furniture, electronics, building materials, and online orders where the tax amount can change the real out-of-pocket cost more than expected.

Why State and Local Rates Matter

Two purchases with the same sticker price can have different final costs simply because the local rate is different. Some states have no statewide sales tax, while others start with a higher base rate and then allow cities, counties, or special districts to add their own layer. That is why this section links to state and city pages instead of assuming one national rule fits every checkout counter.

For the best estimate, use the calculator as a location-specific tool rather than a national rule of thumb. Matching the rate to the place where the sale is sourced or delivered produces a more realistic final total, especially when local districts add tax on top of the statewide base.