Last updated October 12, 2026 · Report an error
Sales tax rates vary by state, county, and city, making it easy to lose track of exactly how much a purchase will actually cost once tax is added.
This calculator takes a price and a tax rate and returns the tax amount and total price instantly.
How it works
Enter the price before tax and the sales tax rate as a percentage. The tool multiplies the price by the rate to get the tax amount, then adds that to the price for the total.
- Enter price before tax.
- Enter sales tax rate (%).
- Click Calculate to see your results.
Examples
Calculating tax on a purchase
A $100 purchase with an 8.5% sales tax rate adds $8.50 in tax, for a $108.50 total.
Who should use it
- Estimating the final cost of a purchase before checkout.
- Calculating tax owed on an invoice or receipt.
Industry applications
- Retail and e-commerce
- Personal budgeting
Advantages
- Calculates tax amount and total price in one step.
- Works for any tax rate, not just fixed presets.
Limitations
- Doesn't look up tax rates automatically — you need to know your local rate.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using only the state tax rate when local city or county taxes also apply, understating the true total.
Best practices
- Use the combined total tax rate for your specific location, not just the state-level rate.
Tips
- Check your receipt or a recent purchase to confirm the exact combined tax rate for your area before relying on an estimate.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, with no signup and no limit on how many calculations you run.
Sales tax rates are set at the state, county, and sometimes city level — check your local government's tax authority website or a recent receipt for the exact combined rate in your area.
Enter the combined total rate as a single percentage — if your area has separate state and local rates, add them together first.