Calculate the exact sales tax on any purchase — or find the pre-tax price from a receipt total
This tool is for: Shoppers wanting to know the total cost before checkout · People separating tax from a receipt total for expense reports · Buyers comparing total costs across locations with different tax rates
- The exact sales tax amount on any purchase
- The total price including tax
- The pre-tax price extracted from a tax-inclusive total
- How much you save buying in a lower-tax location
Formulas Used
Sales Tax Calculation
Tax = Price × (Rate / 100); Total = Price + Tax
Where: Tax = Sales tax amount (USD), Price = Pre-tax price (USD), Rate = Sales tax rate (%)
Source: Standard sales tax arithmetic ✓ Verified
Reverse Sales Tax (Extract Pre-Tax Price)
Pre-Tax Price = Total / (1 + Rate / 100)
Where: Pre-Tax Price = Original price before tax (USD), Total = Total price including tax (USD), Rate = Sales tax rate (%)
Source: Standard reverse tax arithmetic ✓ Verified
Key Insight
The average combined state and local sales tax rate in the US is about 7.4%, but ranges from 0% (Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon) to over 10% in parts of Louisiana, Tennessee, and Washington. On a $1,000 purchase, that is a $0–$100+ difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average sales tax rate in the United States?
The average combined state and local sales tax rate in the US is approximately 7.4% as of 2024. However, this varies enormously by location. State rates range from 0% (Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, and Alaska have no statewide sales tax) to 7.25% (California). When you add county and city taxes, the combined rate can exceed 10% in some areas. Always look up your specific local rate rather than using a national average.
Which states have no sales tax?
Five states have no statewide sales tax: Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, and Alaska. However, Alaska allows local municipalities to levy their own sales taxes, so some Alaska cities do charge sales tax. Additionally, some states exempt specific categories like groceries or clothing from sales tax even though they tax other goods. For example, many states exempt unprepared food from sales tax, and New York exempts clothing items under $110.
Do I have to pay sales tax on online purchases?
Yes, in most cases. Since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling in South Dakota v. Wayfair, states can require online retailers to collect sales tax even if the retailer has no physical presence in the state. Most major online retailers now collect the applicable sales tax based on your shipping address. If a retailer does not collect sales tax, you may technically owe use tax to your state on the purchase — though enforcement varies. The rate applied to online purchases is typically the combined rate for your delivery address.
About This Calculator
Sources:
- State tax authority websites — Current sales tax rates by jurisdiction
Limitations:
- Tax rates vary by state, county, and city — enter YOUR local rate
- Does not handle tax-exempt items or varying rates within a purchase
- Does not account for special district taxes or temporary tax holidays
When to consult a professional: For business sales tax compliance, multi-state e-commerce tax obligations, or tax-exempt purchase documentation, consult a tax professional or your state tax authority.
This calculator performs standard sales tax arithmetic. Tax rates vary by state, county, city, and special taxing districts. Always verify your local rate with your state or county tax authority.