Sales Tax Calculator

Sales tax is calculated by multiplying the pre-tax price by the tax rate. A $50 item at 8.5% tax: $50 x 0.085 = $4.25 tax, total $54.25. The calculator handles this instantly and shows the breakdown of pre-tax price, tax amount, and total price including tax.

Yes — use the reverse calculator. If you paid $54.25 total at 8.5% tax: pre-tax price = $54.25 / 1.085 = $50.00, tax amount = $4.25. This is useful for expense reports, resale calculations, or figuring out the base price when you only know the total.

Sales tax rates vary by state, county, and city. State rates range from 0% (Oregon, Montana, Delaware) to 7.25% (California). Local taxes can add 1-5% on top. Your total rate is the sum of state + county + city rates. Check your local rate for the most accurate calculation.

Yes — the math is the same for any percentage-based consumption tax. Enter your VAT rate (e.g., 20% for UK) or GST rate (e.g., 10% for Australia) and the calculator works identically. The reverse calculation is especially useful for VAT-inclusive prices common in Europe.

Yes — enter multiple items with their individual prices and the calculator sums them before applying the tax rate. Some items may be tax-exempt (groceries, medicine) in certain states — enter only taxable items for an accurate calculation of the tax-applicable portion.