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Navigating California’s complex sales tax system can be challenging for businesses, with rates that vary by location. Unsure of how much sales tax to apply? Our intuitive calculator takes the guesswork out of the equation. Simply input the purchase total, and we’ll provide an accurate calculation based on California’s state and local rates.
California imposes a base state sales tax rate of 7.25%1 on most retail sales, leases, and taxable services. However, local jurisdictions—including cities and counties—can add their own rates, bringing the combined sales tax rate as high as 10.75% in some areas.
The exact sales tax rate depends on where the transaction takes place. Use our calculator to quickly determine the total sales tax for your location.
To calculate your California sales tax, you'll need two key pieces of information: the purchase amount and your local sales tax rate. California's rates start at 7.25% statewide but can climb as high as 10.75% depending on your location.
Simply multiply the purchase amount by your local sales tax rate to find the sales tax amount. Then, add that to the original purchase amount to determine the total cost.
Use these simple formulas, or save time by using our calculator:
Multiply the Purchase Amount by the applicable Sales Tax Rate to get the Sales Tax amount
Add the Sales Tax to the original Purchase Amount to find the Total Cost
You can use these formulas or use our calculator for a faster answer.
Sales Tax = Purchase Amount × Sales Tax Rate
Total Cost = Purchase Amount + Sales Tax
Like many states, California exempts certain items from sales tax to reduce costs for consumers. Items exempt from sales tax in California include2:
Most unprepared grocery items are exempt, but alcohol, soda, and hot prepared foods are taxable.
Drugs prescribed by licensed healthcare professionals are tax-exempt, as are certain medical devices like prosthetics and orthotics. Menstrual products are also tax-exempt.
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Gas, electricity, and water supplied for residential use are generally exempt from sales tax.
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Items like seeds, fertilizers, and feed for livestock are exempt to support agricultural production.
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Qualifying machinery and equipment used in manufacturing may be tax-exempt under California's partial exemption program.
1California Tax and Fee Administration: California City & County Sales & Use Tax Rates (effective October 1, 2024)
2California Tax and Fee Administration: Laws, Regulations and Annotations
3California Tax and Fee Administration: California City & County Sales & Use Tax Rates (effective October 1, 2024)
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