How to use the sales tax calculator
- Choose Add sales tax to a price or Find the tax inside a total.
- Enter the amount.
- Enter your combined sales tax rate. Look it up on your receipt or your state department of revenue site.
- Read the tax, the total and the price before tax.
Formula
Tax = price x rate
Total = price + tax
Price before tax = total / (1 + rate)
Tax included in a total = total - price before tax
Each amount is rounded to the nearest cent. Retailers differ in whether they round per item or per receipt, so your receipt can differ by a cent.
Worked examples at 7.25 percent
Add tax: a $49.99 item. Tax is $49.99 x 0.0725 = $3.624, which rounds to $3.62. The total is $53.61.
Reverse: a receipt total of $53.61 includes tax. $53.61 / 1.0725 = $49.99 before tax, so the tax inside was $3.62.
Why SumPanda does not guess your rate
US sales tax is set by states, counties, cities and special districts, and the combined rate can change from one address to the next. Some items, such as groceries or clothing, are taxed at different rates or not at all in some places. Entering your rate keeps the answer honest. The Tax Foundation publishes state and average local rates if you need a starting point.
Typical rates
Combined state and local rates in the United States range from zero in a few states to roughly 10 percent in some cities. Five states have no statewide sales tax, though some allow local taxes. Because rates change and vary by address, always confirm with a receipt or your state revenue department.
Assumptions and limits
- One flat rate applies to the entire amount.
- Exemptions, tax holidays, shipping rules and item-specific rates are not modeled.
- The result is an estimate, not tax advice.
- Rates above 20 percent show a warning because they are unusual in the United States.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate sales tax?
Multiply the price by the tax rate as a decimal. 6 percent on $80 is $80 x 0.06 = $4.80.
How do I remove sales tax from a total?
Divide the total by 1 plus the rate. A $106 total at 6 percent tax is $106 / 1.06 = $100 before tax.
Why is my receipt a cent different?
Stores may round tax on each item or on the whole receipt. The calculator rounds once on the amount you enter.