California Sales Tax Calculator
Combined state + local average: 8.85% (7.25% state + 1.60% avg local)
Calculator Inputs
Choose which value you enter; the calculator derives the rest.
Rate auto-fills with the state + average local combined rate.
Calculates the sales tax and total
= State 7.25% + Avg local 1.60%
Sales Tax
$8.85
Total $108.85
Breakdown
β’ The US has no federal VAT β sales tax is state + local only.
β’ 5 states have no statewide sales tax: Oregon, Montana, New Hampshire, Delaware, Alaska.
β’ City and county rates add to the state rate; combined rates above use state averages.
* This calculator is for estimation only β verify with the state Department of Revenue for filing.
Quick reference β current state rate Γ common amounts
| Pre-tax | Tax (8.85%) | Total |
|---|---|---|
| $10.00 | $0.89 | $10.89 |
| $25.00 | $2.21 | $27.21 |
| $50.00 | $4.43 | $54.43 |
| $100.00 | $8.85 | $108.85 |
| $250.00 | $22.13 | $272.13 |
| $500.00 | $44.25 | $544.25 |
| $1,000.00 | $88.50 | $1,088.50 |
| $5,000.00 | $442.50 | $5,442.50 |
California sales tax in context
California has the highest statewide base rate in the US at 7.25%. Local jurisdictions add another 0% β 2.5%, so combined receipts range from 7.25% (rural counties) to 10.75% in parts of Los Angeles County. The state average is 8.85%. For LA, Long Beach, and Oakland, the effective rate is closer to 9.25% β 10.25%.
California-specific FAQs
The calculator uses the state average. Major cities including Los Angeles (9.50%), Long Beach (10.25%), and South Gate (10.25%) carry above-average local additions. Switch to "Custom rate" mode in the calculator and enter your actual city rate from your receipt.
No β California requires marketplace facilitators (Amazon, eBay) and remote sellers with over $500K in California sales to collect sales tax based on the buyer's shipping address. Your local rate applies.
Most groceries (unprepared food), prescription drugs, and certain medical devices are exempt. Restaurant meals, hot prepared food, and dietary supplements are taxable. Clothing has no special exemption.
Other state pages
Combined rate data: Tax Foundation, January 2025.