Sales Tax Calculator — Reverse & Forward
Reverse sales tax: find the price before tax when you know the total. Or go forward: add the combined state + local sales tax rate to any price.
An item priced at $108.40 total in California (9.03%) cost about $99.42 before tax — $8.98 was sales tax.
How to Use This Calculator
- Choose reverse (you know the total with tax) or forward (you know the price).
- Enter the amount.
- Pick your state — combined state + average local rate is preloaded.
The Formula
Reverse: price before tax = total ÷ (1 + rate). Forward: total = price × (1 + rate). Rates are combined state + average local sales tax (Tax Foundation 2026).
ReverseTotal ÷ (1 + rate)ForwardPrice × (1 + rate)RateState + avg. local (2026)Worked Example
In California (9.03% combined), a $108.40 checkout total means the item cost $99.42 and $8.98 went to sales tax.
Reference Table
| State | Combined rate |
|---|---|
| California | 9.03% |
| Texas | 8.20% |
| New York | 8.54% |
| Florida | 6.98% |
| Washington | 9.57% |
Source: Tax Foundation 2026 Sales Tax Rates, Midyear Update.
Quick Tips
- Local rates vary by city — the preloaded rate is the state average.
- Five states have no sales tax: DE, MT, NH, OR, AK.
- Reverse calculations are handy for expense reports and refunds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the combined sales tax rate?
The state rate plus the average local rate. The calculator preloads combined rates from the Tax Foundation's 2026 midyear update.
Which states have no sales tax?
Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon and Alaska.
How do I find the price before tax?
Divide the total by (1 + rate). For example, $108.40 ÷ 1.0903 = $99.42 in California.