California has the highest statewide base sales tax rate in the U.S. – 7.25% – and local district taxes bring the total to between 7.25% and over 10.5% depending on where you buy, for example about 9.5–9.75% in Los Angeles. Local rates change often – check your exact rate with the state revenue department for large purchases.
How to use the California Sales Tax Calculator
- Purchase amount
- Local sales tax rate (district taxes, 0–4%)
- The amount
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Enter the purchase amount and your local (county and city) sales tax rate, and choose whether the amount includes tax.
Tips
- Tax figures here are estimates for planning – your actual tax depends on credits, deductions and local rules.
- Check the tax year and filing status before you rely on a result.
- Use gross (before-tax) figures unless a field asks for take-home pay.
- When in doubt, confirm with the tax authority’s own calculator or a tax professional.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Confusing marginal and effective tax rates.
- Adding sales tax to a price that already includes it.
- Forgetting payroll taxes (Social Security and Medicare) on wages.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Purchase amount | Amount in your currency |
| Local sales tax rate (district taxes, 0–4%) | In % |
| The amount | Choose one: Excludes sales tax, Already includes sales tax |
What each result means
- Combined sales tax rate = 7.25 + [Local sales tax rate (district taxes, 0–4%)]
- Sales tax amount = [Price before tax]×[Combined sales tax rate]÷100
- Total price = [Price before tax] + [Sales tax amount]
Example values
How the main result changes when Purchase amount changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Purchase amount | Sales tax amount |
|---|---|
| 125 | 11.88 |
| 187.5 | 17.81 |
| 250 | 23.75 |
| 312.5 | 29.69 |
| 375 | 35.63 |
| 500 | 47.5 |
Formula
Combined rate = state rate 7.25% + local rateSales tax = price × combined ratePrice before tax = total ÷ (1 + combined rate)Worked example
Inputs — Purchase amount: $250; Local sales tax rate (district taxes, 0–4%): 2.25 %; The amount: Excludes sales tax.
Results — Combined sales tax rate = 9.5 %; Price before tax = $250.00; Sales tax amount = $23.75; Total price = $273.75.
Frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax in California?
7.25% statewide plus local district taxes, typically 7.25–10.75%.
Is food taxed in California?
Most groceries are exempt; prepared food is taxed.
Which rate applies to online orders?
Generally the rate where the item is delivered.
What formula does the California Sales Tax Calculator use?
Combined rate = state rate 7.25% + local rate.