Sales Tax Calculator
Pick your state or enter a custom rate to find the sales tax and total on any purchase.
This calculator runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you type is uploaded or stored.
How to use this tool
Enter the price of your item before tax. Choose "By state" to use a built-in average combined sales tax rate for any U.S. state, or switch to "Custom rate" to type the exact rate from your city or ZIP code. Set a quantity if you are buying more than one of the same item, then press Calculate. The tool shows the subtotal, the tax rate it used, the tax amount, and the final total you will pay. Use the copy button to grab the breakdown for a receipt or budget.
How sales tax is calculated
Tax amount = subtotal × (tax rate ÷ 100)
Total = subtotal + tax amount
Sales tax in the United States is a percentage added on top of the listed price at checkout. The combined rate is usually the state rate plus any county, city, and special district rates, which is why two stores in the same state can charge different totals. Because rates vary by ZIP code and even by street, a local sales tax lookup at your exact address gives the most precise figure. The state averages built into this state sales tax finder are a solid starting point, and the custom rate field lets you calculate the tax rate by city when you know it.
A real example
Say you are buying a $250 jacket in Texas, where the average combined rate is about 8.20%. The subtotal is $250.00. The tax amount is 250 × 0.082 = $20.50. Your total at the register is 250 + 20.50 = $270.50. If you bought two of them, the subtotal becomes $500, the tax becomes $41.00, and the total comes to $541.00.
Common questions
Can this find the exact sales tax for my ZIP code?
This tool uses average combined state rates plus a custom rate field, so it stays fully offline and private. For the precise rate at a specific ZIP code or address, enter the figure from your state revenue department or a local sales tax lookup into the custom rate box.
Why does the rate differ from what I paid in a store?
The total combined rate includes county, city, and special district taxes on top of the state rate. The built-in numbers are statewide averages, so your local rate can be higher or lower. Use the custom rate option for an exact match.
Do any states have no sales tax?
Yes. Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon have no statewide sales tax, though some localities in Alaska add their own. In the state list these show a 0% base rate.
Is the tax calculated before or after a discount?
Sales tax normally applies to the price after any store discount. Enter the discounted price as the price before tax, and the calculator will add tax to that amount.
Is this calculator accurate enough for filing or accounting?
It is meant for quick estimates and educational use, not professional tax advice. For filings, returns, or anything official, confirm the current rate with your state revenue department or a qualified tax professional.