Taxes
Sales Tax Calculator
Sales tax in the US is the sum of state and local rates, so the number on the shelf isn't what you pay at the register. Enter a price and your combined rate to see exactly how much tax you'll add and what the final total comes to.
Tested against worked examplesHow we verify
Your combined state + local rate. Most US rates fall between 4% and 10%.
Total with sales tax: $107
Total with sales tax
$107
- Sales tax added
- $7
- Price before tax
- $100
Compare scenariosTry three values of one input
| Purchase amount (before tax) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Total with sales tax | $96 | $107+$11 | $118+$21 |
| Sales tax added | $6 | $7+$1 | $8+$1 |
| Price before tax | $90 | $100+$10 | $110+$20 |
Every other input stays at the value you set above — currently $100 for purchase amount (before tax). Differences are measured against the first column.
Saved scenariosSave this calculation
Saved in this browser only — no account, and nothing is sent to us. Clearing your browser data deletes them.
How this calculator works
Sales tax = purchase amount × tax rate; total = amount + tax, computed in exact integer cents to avoid rounding drift.
Enter your combined state + local rate — the calculator doesn't look up rates by location, and it doesn't model item-level exemptions (like untaxed groceries). For a filing-accurate figure, confirm your rate and taxable items with your state's Department of Revenue.
What this assumes
- The state base rate. Counties and cities add their own, so the rate actually charged at the till is usually higher than a state figure.
- No exemptions applied. Groceries, prescriptions and clothing are treated differently across states.
- Rates change by local ordinance; the shipped figures are provenance-tracked but are a snapshot rather than a live feed.
What changes this number
- Local add-ons
- Frequently larger than the difference between two states' base rates.
- Category of goods
- Some states exempt groceries entirely and tax prepared food fully — the same receipt can carry three rates.
- Where the sale occurs
- Destination versus origin sourcing changes which rate applies, particularly for online purchases.
A worked example
Take the $100 at 7% scenario. These figures are produced by the calculator above, not written alongside it, so they always match what the tool returns.
What you enter
- Purchase amount (before tax)
- $100
- Sales tax rate
- 7%
What it returns
- Total with sales tax
- $107
- Sales tax added
- $7
- Price before tax
- $100
Try an example
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate sales tax?
Multiply the price by the tax rate as a decimal, then add it back. A $100 item at a 7% rate is $100 × 0.07 = $7 in tax, for a $107 total. This calculator does it instantly and keeps the math in exact cents.
What is the sales tax rate where I live?
It's the sum of your state rate and any county or city rates, so two towns in the same state can differ. Five states — Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon — have no statewide sales tax (though some Alaska localities do). Check your state's Department of Revenue for the exact combined rate at your address.
Is sales tax charged on everything?
No. Many states exempt or reduce tax on groceries, prescription drugs, and sometimes clothing. Rules vary widely by state, so a full cart may be taxed at a blended effective rate lower than the headline rate.
How is sales tax different from VAT?
US sales tax is charged once, at the final retail sale, and added on top of the listed price. Value-added tax (VAT), used in much of the world, is collected at each stage of production and is usually already baked into the displayed price.
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Disclaimer: DayCents provides this calculator for educational purposes only. Results are estimates based on your inputs and the stated assumptions — they are not financial advice, a quote, or an offer of credit. Consult a qualified financial professional before making major money decisions.