How to Add a Percentage to a Price Tag

When you go shopping, it's easy to pay attention only to the price on a price tag and forget about the tax. To avoid an unpleasant surprise in the checkout lane, add on the tax while you do your shopping. As long as you know the sales tax rate in your state, the calculation is simple.

Things You'll Need

• Calculator

Instructions

1. Note the original price of the item. For this example, assume the item costs $15.

2. Determine the percentage that you need to add to the price, based on your state's sales tax rate. Convert it to decimal form. For example, 6 percent translates to .06 in decimal form. In this example, assume a 12 percent tax, which converts to .12 in decimal form.

3. Multiply the original price by the converted percentage number. In this example, 15 x .12 = 1.80. The new number represents the added dollar amount from tax.

4. Add the price tag number to the newly calculated number. In this example, 15 + 1.80 = 16.80, so the total amount with tax is $16.80.

Tips & Warnings

• Some city and county governments also charge sales taxes, which will further increase the total cost of your purchase.

References

• Math: Percentage Calculator

Resources

• Tax Admin: State Sales Tax Guide