California Sales Tax Calculator

Estimate sales tax on any purchase in California. The calculator starts with the 8.99% average combined rate, and you can edit it for your city, county, or item type.

Calculation Mode
State Rate: 7.25%Avg. Local Rate: 1.74%
Results

Total Price

$108.99

Sales Tax

$8.99

Pre-Tax Price

$100.00

Pre-Tax Price (91.8%)Sales Tax (8.99%)

$100 × 8.99% = $8.99

$100 + $8.99 = $108.99

US State Sales Tax Rates (2026)

Highest Combined Rates

No Sales Tax States

California Sales Tax Default Rate

California has a state-level sales tax of 7.25%. The average local rate is 1.74%, so this page uses 8.99% as the default combined estimate. Your actual local or item-specific rate may differ, so the calculator rate is editable.

State rate

7.25%

Avg. local rate

1.74%

Default combined rate

8.99%

Example: Sales Tax on a $100 Purchase in California

A $100 purchase taxed at the California average combined rate of 8.99% adds $8.99 in sales tax, making the total $108.99. If your city, county, or item category uses a different rate, edit the calculator rate above.

Default rates use Tax Foundation 2026 state and average local sales tax data. Local rates and exemptions can vary; verify exact filing rules with the California tax authority: https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/

Frequently Asked Questions

How is sales tax calculated in California?
Sales tax in California is calculated by multiplying the pretax price by the sales tax rate. This page starts with the average combined rate of 8.99%, which includes the 7.25% state rate plus average local taxes.
Why might my actual California sales tax rate be different?
County, city, district, and item-specific rules can change the final rate. Use the default 8.99% rate as a quick estimate, then edit the calculator rate if your receipt, checkout page, or local tax authority shows a different value.
Do I pay sales tax on online purchases shipped to California?
Usually, yes. Most online retailers collect sales tax based on the shipping destination. If the order ships to a California address, the rate may depend on the destination city or county.
Are all items taxable in California?
No. Some products or services may be exempt, reduced-rate, or taxed differently. This calculator estimates the math once you know the rate; check the California tax authority for item-specific rules.
How often do California sales tax rates change?
State-level rates usually change infrequently, but local rates can change more often. The default shown here is based on Tax Foundation 2026 average data, so verify the exact current rate before filing.

Sales Tax in Other States