Sales Tax Calculator
Enter the price and your state tax rate to instantly see the tax amount and total price.
Sales tax rates vary by over 10 percentage points across the US — knowing yours matters on every big purchase.
7.12%
Average combined US sales tax rate in 2026
5
US states with zero statewide sales tax
10%+
Combined rate in some US cities — significantly above the national average
Sales tax — what you need to know
The hidden cost on every price tag.
Rates vary wildly by location
Tennessee has the highest average combined rate at 9.55%. Oregon has zero. The same $500 TV costs $547.75 in Tennessee and $500 in Oregon. For large purchases, the state you buy in genuinely matters.
Groceries and medicine are often exempt
Many states exempt groceries and prescription drugs from sales tax entirely, or apply a reduced rate. This varies significantly by state — some only exempt unprepared food, others are broader.
Online purchases and tax
Since the 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair Supreme Court ruling, online retailers must collect sales tax in states where they have 'economic nexus.' Expect to pay sales tax on most online purchases now.
How the Sales Tax Calculator Works
Formula
Tax Amount = Price × (Tax Rate ÷ 100)
Total Price = Price + Tax AmountEnter the pre-tax price
The listed price before tax — what you see on the tag or website.
Enter your tax rate
Use the quick presets or check your state's current combined rate.
Read the result
You get the exact tax amount and the final total to pay.
Sales tax is always calculated on the base (pre-tax) price, then added on top. The formula is simple: multiply the price by the tax rate as a decimal.
Rates shown here are for reference. Always verify your exact combined state + local rate for your zip code, especially for large purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
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