About this tool
Why it exists.
Prices in the United States are usually shown before sales tax, and the tax is added at the till. The final amount depends on the combined state, county and city rate where you buy. This calculator lets you enter that rate and see the tax and total straight away.
Choose Add tax to start from the pre-tax price, or Remove tax to work backwards from a receipt total. Set a quantity to price several items at once. The rate is entered by you because US rates vary by location and change over time. Check your state revenue department or a receipt for the current combined rate.
How to use it.
- Choose Add tax or Remove tax.
- Enter the price, the sales tax rate and the quantity.
- Read the pre-tax amount, the tax and the total.
Good questions.
What sales tax rate should I use?
Use the combined rate for the place where the sale happens: state plus any county or city tax. Your receipt or your state's revenue website shows it.
How do I take tax out of a total price?
Divide the total by 1 plus the rate. At 8.25%, divide by 1.0825. Choosing Remove tax does this for you.
Are all items taxed?
No. Many states tax groceries, clothing or medicine at a lower rate or not at all. The calculator applies a single rate to the whole amount.