California sales tax, explained
The statewide sales tax rate in California is 7.25%. Local (city and county) taxes add an average of 1.78% on top, for a combined average of 9.03% (population-weighted, as of July 2026, per Tax Foundation data). What you actually pay at the register depends on the city and county you buy in, so treat the preset as a realistic average and swap in your local rate for exact figures. The calculator works both ways: add California tax to a pre-tax price, or start from a receipt total and back out how much of it was tax.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the sales tax rate in California?
- The California state rate is 7.25%. Average local taxes bring the combined average to about 9.03%, though the exact rate varies by city and county.
- Why is my local rate different from 9.03%?
- 9.03% is a population-weighted average for California. Cities and counties set their own additional rates, so your checkout rate can be higher or lower — enter your exact local rate in the calculator for a precise result.
- How do I calculate California sales tax on a price?
- Multiply the price by the rate: for example, $100 × 9.03% = $9.03 tax, $109.03 total. To go the other way, divide a tax-included total by 1 + rate — this calculator does both automatically.