Sales Tax Calculator: Tax Amount and Total Price
Work out the sales tax added to a purchase and the total you actually pay at the register.
Adjust the inputs and select Calculate for a full breakdown.
Compare Common Scenarios
How the numbers shift across typical situations for this calculator:
| Scenario | Sales tax | Total |
|---|---|---|
| $1,200 · 7.52% | $90.24 | $1,290.24 |
| $50 · 8.25% | $4.13 | $54.13 |
| $25,000 · 6.0% | $1,500.00 | $26,500.00 |
| $300 · 9.5% | $28.50 | $328.50 |
How This Calculator Works
Enter the pre-tax purchase amount and your combined sales tax rate — the state rate plus any county and city additions. The calculator multiplies the amount by the rate to find the tax, then adds it to give the total. US sales tax is applied at checkout, so the price on the shelf is not the price you pay.
The Formula
Percentage Add-On
Rate is the tax or tip percentage applied to the amount
Worked Example
On a $1,200 purchase at a combined 7.52% sales tax rate, the tax comes to $90.24. The total at the register is $1,290.24 — the tax is charged on the purchase amount, not built into the displayed shelf price beforehand.
Key Insight
Combined sales tax varies widely — from zero in a few states to over 9% in parts of others. Because county and city taxes stack on top of the state rate, the rate at one store can differ from another a few miles away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a combined sales tax rate?
It is the state sales tax rate plus any local county and city sales taxes that apply at the point of sale. The combined rate is what actually determines the tax you pay.
Why is sales tax added at the register?
In the US, listed prices are typically pre-tax. Sales tax is calculated and added at checkout, so the final total is higher than the shelf or menu price.
Do all states charge sales tax?
No. A small number of states have no statewide sales tax, though local taxes may still apply. Enter the rate for the specific location of the sale.
Is sales tax charged on every item?
Not always. Many states exempt or reduce tax on groceries, prescription drugs, or clothing. Enter only the taxable portion of a purchase for an accurate result.
How do I find my sales tax rate?
Your state revenue department publishes current rates, and the combined rate depends on the exact address of the sale. The default here reflects the cited national average.
Related Calculators
Data Sources & Benchmarks
This calculator draws on 2 independent, dated sources. The starting values for sales tax rate are taken from the benchmarks below and refresh whenever the snapshots are updated.
Methodology & Review
Sales tax is the purchase amount multiplied by the combined rate; the total adds the tax to the amount. The calculator assumes the full amount entered is taxable and uses a single combined rate.
Written by Ugo Candido · Last updated May 17, 2026.