What is California's minimum sales tax rate?

The statewide base rate is 7.25%. Most jurisdictions add local district taxes, bringing the typical combined rate to 8.5-10.75% depending on the city or county.

Are services subject to California sales tax?

Generally no. California sales tax applies to tangible personal property, not most services. However, services bundled with taxable goods or digital products may be taxable.

Is there a difference between use tax and sales tax in California?

Use tax applies when you buy taxable goods from an out-of-state seller who did not collect California sales tax. The rate is the same as local sales tax, and residents are legally required to self-report and pay it.

California Sales Tax Calculator

Calculate the sales tax and total price for a purchase in California, using the statewide base rate plus any applicable local district taxes.

By AbraCalc Editorial Team · Reviewed by AbraCalc Methodology Review · Last reviewed: 2026-06-25

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How to use this tool

Enter purchase price and total sales tax rate in the fields above.
Results update instantly as you type — or click Calculate.
Read your sales tax amount and the full breakdown beneath it.

⚠ This tool provides general estimates for education only and is not financial, tax or legal advice. Figures may not reflect your situation — verify with a qualified professional.

Formula

Sales Tax = Price × (Rate / 100)

Total Price = Price + Sales Tax

How it works

California imposes a statewide base sales tax rate of 7.25% (comprised of 6% state tax and 1.25% mandatory local tax). Individual cities and counties may add district taxes on top of this base, resulting in combined rates that vary from 7.25% up to approximately 10.75% depending on location.

Enter the combined total rate for your purchase location. If you are unsure of the local rate, the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) provides a rate lookup tool by address.

Worked example

Electronics purchase in Los Angeles (10.25% rate)

Purchase price = $100.00
Los Angeles combined rate = 10.25%
Sales tax = $100.00 × 0.1025 = $10.25
Total price = $100.00 + $10.25 = $110.25

You pay $10.25 in sales tax, for a total of $110.25.

Common mistakes to avoid

Using only the 7.25% statewide base rate and forgetting local district taxes, which can push the effective rate to 10.75% or higher in some jurisdictions.
Applying sales tax to food items that are exempt — most unprepared grocery food is exempt from California sales tax.
Calculating tax on the pre-discount price when the discount is applied at point of sale — California taxes the actual selling price after such discounts.

Key terms

Base rate: The California statewide minimum sales tax of 7.25%, applied uniformly across the state.
District tax: Additional local taxes levied by cities or counties on top of the base rate, ranging from 0% to approximately 3.5%.
Combined rate: The total sales tax rate in a given jurisdiction, equal to the base rate plus all applicable district taxes.

Frequently asked questions

What is California's minimum sales tax rate?: The statewide base rate is 7.25%. Most jurisdictions add local district taxes, bringing the typical combined rate to 8.5-10.75% depending on the city or county.
Are services subject to California sales tax?: Generally no. California sales tax applies to tangible personal property, not most services. However, services bundled with taxable goods or digital products may be taxable.
Is there a difference between use tax and sales tax in California?: Use tax applies when you buy taxable goods from an out-of-state seller who did not collect California sales tax. The rate is the same as local sales tax, and residents are legally required to self-report and pay it.