What this calculator does
Use this calculator to estimate sales tax for quoting, invoicing, or comparing listed prices. Choose whether the input is pre-tax or already tax-inclusive.
Tax and VAT
Sales Tax Calculator
Add sales tax to a price or back it out from a tax-inclusive total with a configurable rate.
Pre-tax amount$200.00
Sales tax amount$16.50
Total amount$216.50
Formula used
Exclusive mode: sales tax = pre-tax amount x rate, total = pre-tax amount + sales tax. Inclusive mode: pre-tax amount = total / (1 + rate), sales tax = total - pre-tax amount.
Worked examples
- If a pre-tax amount is $200 and the sales tax rate is 8.25%, the tax is $16.50 and the total becomes $216.50.
- If the displayed total already includes sales tax, you can reverse the math and isolate the pre-tax amount before quoting or reporting.
Notes
- Sales tax rules vary by state, locality, nexus, product type, and exemption status.
- This calculator is a planning aid and does not replace tax determination or filing software.
- Use the inclusive mode only when the displayed amount already includes sales tax and the same rate applies across the transaction.