What Is the Sales Tax Calculator?
A sales tax calculator adds tax to a sticker price or, in reverse, extracts the tax hidden inside a tax-inclusive total. It is handy for shopping across states or countries with different rates, or for accounting and invoicing.
How to use this calculator
Type your numbers into the fields above. The results change the moment you edit any input, so you can try one scenario after another and see exactly what moves. Most calculators show a short summary of the key figures, a line-by-line breakdown underneath, and — where it applies — a year-by-year schedule you can export to a spreadsheet. Everything runs in your browser; nothing is stored or sent anywhere. Treat the output as a planning estimate, not as final word on a real decision.
The Formula
To add tax: tax = price × rate, total = price + tax. To extract tax from a total: base = total ÷ (1 + rate), tax = total − base. The calculator switches between the two modes.
Worked Example
A $100 item at 8% sales tax costs $108, with $8 of tax. If a displayed total is $108 and the rate is 8%, the calculator reveals the underlying $100 price and the $8 tax portion.
Tips for the Most Accurate Estimate
- Know whether a quoted price already includes tax in your region.
- Use the extract mode for VAT-style inclusive pricing.
- Rates vary by state, county, and city — enter the combined rate.
- Some items (food, clothing) may be exempt; adjust accordingly.
- Keep receipts; overpaid tax may be refundable when traveling abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is tax-inclusive pricing?
The displayed price already contains the tax (common with VAT). The extract mode separates the underlying price from the tax.
Q: Why do rates differ by location?
Sales tax is set by state and local jurisdictions, so the combined rate depends on exactly where the sale occurs.
Q: Can I use this for VAT?
Yes. Treat VAT as a tax-inclusive rate and use the extract mode to find the net price and tax.