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Homeโ€บUSโ€บPA Sales Tax Calculator

Pennsylvania Sales Tax Calculator

Calculate PA sales tax with just 3 possible rates: 8% in Philadelphia, 7% in Pittsburgh area, 6% everywhere else. Most clothing and groceries are exempt.

Enter purchase amount and select your area in Pennsylvania
PA has only 3 possible rates: 8% (Philly), 7% (Pittsburgh area), 6% (everywhere else). Most clothing AND groceries are exempt.
$
Enter the pre-tax price of your purchase
Only 3 rates exist in all of Pennsylvania
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How to Use This Calculator

Calculate Total tab

Enter your purchase amount and select your area in Pennsylvania. The calculator applies the correct combined rate (6%, 7%, or 8%) and shows your total price including tax. It also highlights which items are exempt from PA sales tax.

PA's 3 Simple Rates tab

View a visual comparison of Pennsylvania's 3 sales tax rates: 8% in Philadelphia (6% state + 2% local), 7% in Allegheny County/Pittsburgh (6% state + 1% local), and 6% everywhere else (state rate only, no local tax). The tab also shows how PA compares to the national average.

Clothing & Grocery Exemptions tab

Search for any item to check whether it's exempt or taxed in Pennsylvania. Most clothing and unprepared groceries are exempt — a significant consumer benefit that few other states offer. The tab shows common items and their tax status, including the exceptions (formal wear, fur, sportswear accessories).

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The Formula

Pennsylvania sales tax is calculated as a percentage of the purchase price:

Sales Tax = Purchase Price × Combined Tax Rate

Total Price = Purchase Price + Sales Tax

Where:
  Combined Tax Rate = State Rate (6%) + Local Rate (0%, 1%, or 2%)

Three possible combined rates:
  Philadelphia: 6% + 2% = 8.00%
  Allegheny County (Pittsburgh): 6% + 1% = 7.00%
  Everywhere else in PA: 6% + 0% = 6.00%

Example: $200 purchase in Philadelphia
  $200 × 0.08 = $16.00 tax → $216.00 total

Pennsylvania is one of the simplest states for sales tax calculation. Unlike states with hundreds of local jurisdictions (Colorado has 750+), PA has exactly 3 possible rates. If you're not in Philadelphia or Allegheny County, the rate is always 6%.

Example

Alex — Shopping in Philadelphia vs. suburban PA

Alex is buying a $1,000 laptop and $150 worth of clothing. He wants to compare the cost in Philadelphia versus a suburb outside the city in Chester County.

Laptop purchase ($1,000 — taxable)

ItemLaptop ($1,000)
Philadelphia (8%)$80.00 tax → $1,080.00
Chester County (6%)$60.00 tax → $1,060.00
Savings outside Philly$20.00

Clothing purchase ($150 — exempt)

ItemEveryday clothing ($150)
Philadelphia (8%)$0.00 tax → $150.00
Chester County (6%)$0.00 tax → $150.00
NoteClothing is exempt statewide

Alex saves $20 on the laptop by shopping in Chester County instead of Philadelphia. But clothing costs the same everywhere in PA because it's exempt from sales tax. This is why PA's clothing exemption is so valuable — it saves consumers money regardless of which rate area they're in.

FAQ

Pennsylvania has a 6% state sales tax rate. Philadelphia adds a 2% local tax for a combined 8%, and Allegheny County (Pittsburgh) adds 1% for a combined 7%. All other 65 counties in Pennsylvania have no local sales tax, so the rate is 6%. These are the only 3 possible rates in the entire state — making PA one of the simplest states for sales tax.
Yes, most clothing is exempt from PA sales tax — one of only a handful of US states with this benefit. Everyday items like shirts, pants, shoes, coats, underwear, and children's clothing are all exempt. However, certain items ARE taxed: formal wear (tuxedos, evening gowns), fur clothing, sportswear accessories (helmets, pads, guards), and costumes. The exemption applies at all 3 rate levels statewide.
Most unprepared grocery food is exempt from PA sales tax. This includes bread, milk, eggs, fruits, vegetables, meat, rice, pasta, canned goods, and other staples. Prepared food (restaurant meals, deli items served hot), soft drinks, and candy are taxable. The grocery exemption applies statewide regardless of which rate area you're in.
Philadelphia is the only city in Pennsylvania authorized by the state legislature to impose a local sales tax. The 2% local surcharge on top of the 6% state rate (totaling 8%) was authorized to fund city services and infrastructure. Allegheny County (the Pittsburgh metro area) is the only county allowed a 1% local tax. No other PA municipality or county can impose a local sales tax — which is why 65 out of 67 counties are at the flat 6% rate.
No. Pennsylvania exempts both prescription medications and non-prescription (over-the-counter) drugs from sales tax. This is more generous than most US states, which typically only exempt prescription drugs. Whether you're buying allergy medicine, pain relievers, or prescription antibiotics, you pay no sales tax in PA. This exemption applies in all 3 rate areas.

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