California's statewide sales tax rate is 7.25%, and local taxes add an average of 1.78% for a combined average of 9.03% (Tax Foundation, rates as of July 1, 2026). Add tax to a price or work backward from a receipt below.
Rates are 2026 state rates plus population-weighted average local rates; your city or county may differ, and some items (like groceries) are taxed differently.
Sales tax on common purchases in California
At the average combined rate of 9.03%, every $100 you spend carries $9.03 in sales tax. Where the highest local rate applies, the total rate is 12.5%, or $12.50 per $100. Rates are population-weighted averages, so your city or county may differ slightly — enter its exact rate in the calculator for a precise total.
California sales tax at the average combined rate (9.03%)
Price
Sales tax
Total
Total at 12.5%
$10.00
$0.90
$10.90
$11.25
$25.00
$2.26
$27.26
$28.13
$50.00
$4.51
$54.52
$56.25
$100.00
$9.03
$109.03
$112.50
$500.00
$45.15
$545.15
$562.50
$1,000.00
$90.30
$1,090.30
$1,125.00
Working backward from a receipt
To find the price before tax, divide the total by 1 plus the rate: in California, a $100.00 receipt at 9.03% breaks down into $91.72 of merchandise and $8.28 of tax. That is handy for expense reports and for checking a receipt that only shows the total.
Price before tax for tax-inclusive totals in California (9.03%)
Total paid
Price before tax
Tax included
$10.00
$9.17
$0.83
$25.00
$22.93
$2.07
$50.00
$45.86
$4.14
$100.00
$91.72
$8.28
$500.00
$458.59
$41.41
$1,000.00
$917.18
$82.82
How California compares with neighboring states
California's 7.25% state rate ranks 1st of the 50 states and DC, and its combined average ranks 7th (1st = highest in both).
Sales tax rates in California and neighboring states (July 1, 2026)
California's statewide rate includes its mandatory 1.25% local add-on. Which goods are taxable differs by state: groceries, prescription drugs and clothing are often exempt or taxed at a reduced rate, while prepared food and general merchandise usually pay the full rate. Check unusual purchases against the state's current rules.