California sales tax at a glance
The 7.25% statewide rate includes a mandatory 1.25% local add-on that applies everywhere; the highest city rate is 11.75% (Lancaster, Palmdale) per CDTFA rates effective Oct 1, 2026.
| State sales tax rate | 7.25% |
| Average local rate | 1.78% |
| Average combined rate | 9.03% |
| Highest combined rate | 11.75% |
| Groceries | Exempt |
California sales tax examples
| Price | State tax only | Tax at 9.03% | Total at 9.03% |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10 | $0.73 | $0.90 | $10.90 |
| $50 | $3.63 | $4.52 | $54.52 |
| $100 | $7.25 | $9.03 | $109.03 |
| $500 | $36.25 | $45.15 | $545.15 |
| $1,000 | $72.50 | $90.30 | $1,090.30 |
Also see the California paycheck calculator.
Sources
Sales tax calculators for other states
AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
Frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax rate in California?
The California state sales tax rate is 7.25%. Local taxes add an average of 1.78%, for an average combined rate of 9.03%; the highest combined rate in the state is 11.75%.
Are groceries taxed in California?
Groceries are exempt from the California state sales tax, although local sales taxes may still apply.
How do I calculate sales tax in California?
Multiply the price by the combined rate. At the average combined rate of 9.03%, a $100 purchase adds $9.03 in tax for a total of $109.03.