California Sales Tax Calculator

How to use

1. Put the untaxed price into the Amount field.
2. Enter the combined rate: 7.25 for the state base, or your city's figure, which averages approximately 8.8 with district taxes.
3. Leave the mode on Add tax to amount, or choose Remove tax from total to work from a receipt.
4. Compare the net amount, tax, and gross total shown.

General information only — not medical, financial or legal advice. Figures cross-checked against public official sources (IRS / HMRC / NHS / WHO guidance); content last reviewed September 2026. For decisions that matter, confirm with a licensed professional in your country.

About this tool

California carries the highest state base rate in the country at 7.25 percent, and district taxes voted in by cities, counties, and special authorities push the statewide average combined figure to approximately 8.8 percent, with a few cities crossing 10. This tool prices that arithmetic in both directions. Feed it a price and a combined rate to get tax and total, or set the mode to Remove and hand it a receipt to recover the pre-tax amount. A 1,000 dollar purchase at the 7.25 base adds 72.50 for a 1,072.50 total; at the approximately 10.25 percent average combined rate in Los Angeles or Long Beach, the same basket adds 102.50. Unprepared groceries and prescription medicine are exempt, while most other goods and prepared food are not. Results are estimates driven by the rate you enter; California district taxes vary by delivery address. Check current rates with the CDTFA. Not tax advice.District taxes are destination-based: the rate owed is the one at the ship-to address, and sellers register the combinations they deliver to. The CDTFA publishes city and county rate tables that change on July 1 most years. Because so many district measures exist, two stores across a street can legitimately charge different totals.

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