California Sales Tax Calculator

Free California sales tax calculator 2026. 7.25% state + 1.57% local = 8.82% combined. Reverse calc & exemptions. No sign-up.

How California Sales Tax Works

California charges a 7.25% state sales tax rate. On top of that, local jurisdictions (counties, cities, special districts) add their own taxes, bringing the average combined rate to 8.82%. That means on a $1,000 purchase, you'd pay approximately $88.20 in sales tax for a total of $1088.20.

The California state rate of 7.25% applies uniformly across the state, but local surtaxes vary significantly by location. The average local rate across CA is 1.57%, but some cities and counties charge more or less than this average. This calculator uses the average local rate, but you can override it with your specific city rate for a more accurate calculation.

Good news: California exempts groceries, prescription drugs from state sales tax. However, clothing are still subject to sales tax in California. These exemptions can make a real difference in your annual spending, especially on groceries which are a recurring expense for every household.

Need to work backwards? If you have a total receipt and need to find the original price before tax, use the reverse sales tax formula: divide the total by (1 + tax rate). For example, a $1088.20 total with 8.82% tax means the original price was $1,000 ($1088.20 ÷ 1.882). This is useful for expense reports and bookkeeping.

Since the 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair Supreme Court decision, online retailers must collect California sales tax on purchases shipped to CA residents. Most online purchases now include California sales tax based on the buyer's location, including any applicable local taxes.

California Sales Tax Key Rates (2026)

California State Rate

7.25%

California Avg Local Rate

1.57%

California Combined Rate

8.82%

Tax on $1,000

$88.20

Total on $1,000

$1088.20

California Sales Tax FAQ

What is the sales tax rate in California?

The state sales tax rate in California is 7.25%. With average local taxes, the combined rate is approximately 8.82%. Actual rates may vary by city and county within California.

Why does the sales tax rate vary within California?

California allows local jurisdictions (counties, cities, and special districts) to add their own sales taxes on top of the 7.25% state rate. These local rates vary by location, which is why you might pay a different total rate in different cities within California.

What items are exempt from sales tax in California?

In California, groceries, prescription drugs are exempt from state sales tax. However, clothing are still subject to sales tax. Exemptions may vary at the local level.

How do I calculate sales tax in California?

Multiply the purchase price by the combined tax rate. For example, on a $100 purchase at the 8.82% combined rate in California: $100 × 0.882 = $8.82 in tax. Total price: $108.82.

Does California charge sales tax on online purchases?

Yes. Following the 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair Supreme Court ruling, online retailers must collect California sales tax on purchases shipped to California residents. The rate is based on the buyer's location within California.

Nearby State Sales Tax Calculators

All 50 States Oregon (0%)Nevada (8.23%)Arizona (8.40%)

Rachel MitchellCPA

Lead Tax Analyst & Editorial Director, TheTaxCalc

Rachel Mitchell is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensed in Illinois with over 12 years of experience in individual and small-business taxation. She specializes in federal and state income tax compliance, FICA optimization, payroll tax strategy, and multi-state tax planning. Rachel holds an MS in Taxation from Golden Gate University and a BS in Accounting from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Illinois CPA Society. Before joining TheTaxCalc, Rachel spent 8 years at a Big Four accounting firm advising high-net-worth clients on tax-efficient wealth strategies.

Reviewed: January 2026Tax data verified against IRS Publication 15-T & state revenue departments