How this calculator works
This calculator adds sales tax to a price, showing how much the tax is and the total you'll pay at the checkout. Use it when shelf prices don't include tax, or to budget for a big purchase.
Multiply the price by the tax rate as a decimal to get the tax, then add it to the price. You can also get the total in one step by multiplying the price by 1 plus the rate.
Worked example: a $250 item with 7.5% sales tax
- Turn the rate into a decimal: 7.5 ÷ 100 = 0.075.
- Work out the tax: 250 × 0.075 = 18.75.
- Add it to the price: 250 + 18.75 = 268.75.
Tax $18.75, total $268.75.
Quick reference: tax on a $100 purchase
| Tax rate | Tax | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 4% | $4.00 | $104.00 |
| 5% | $5.00 | $105.00 |
| 6% | $6.00 | $106.00 |
| 7% | $7.00 | $107.00 |
| 8.25% | $8.25 | $108.25 |
| 10% | $10.00 | $110.00 |
Common mistake
Removing tax by subtracting the rate from the total. $108 − 8% = $99.36, not $100. To find the price before tax, divide the total by 1.08 instead.
Questions people ask
- Is sales tax added before or after a discount?
- Usually after. Take the discount off first, then add tax to the lower price. Our discounts and sales tax guide walks through it.
- Why is my receipt slightly different?
- Stores may round tax per item rather than on the total, and some items can be taxed at a different rate or not at all.
- Does this work for VAT or GST?
- Yes, for adding tax to a price. In many countries VAT or GST is already included in the shelf price, so check before adding it again.
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