How do I find the pre-tax price from a total?

Divide the total by (1 + rate/100). A $54.13 total at 8.25% is $54.13 ÷ 1.0825 = $50.00.

Is sales tax the same as VAT?

No. Sales tax is added once at the final sale; VAT is collected at each stage of production. Use the VAT calculator for value-added tax.

Sales Tax Calculator

Add state and local sales tax to any amount and see the total.

UPDATED · MAY 2026

Amount (pre-tax)

Sales tax rate

State + local combined

$50.00 + 8.25% tax

$54.13

TAX$4.13

SUBTOTAL$50.00

Sales tax

$4.13

Total

$54.13

How to use the Sales Tax Calculator

01
Enter the pre-tax amount. The price before sales tax.
02
Enter your tax rate. Use the combined state + local rate for your location.
03
Read the total. The tax amount and final total update live.

How is it calculated?

Sales tax is the pre-tax amount times the tax rate (amount × rate ÷ 100). The total is the amount plus that tax. For $50 at an 8.25% combined rate, tax is $4.13 and the total is $54.13.

Frequently asked

The questions readers ask most about the sales tax calculator.

Most US sales tax is a state base rate plus county and city add-ons. Use the combined rate for your exact address for an accurate total.

How to use the Sales Tax Calculator

How is it calculated?

Frequently asked

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