Ontario Sales Tax Rate Calculator
Calculate Ontario sales tax rates for products and services with this free online calculator. Understand the different tax types, rates, and how they apply to your purchases.
How to use this calculator
To calculate Ontario sales tax:
- Enter the price of the item or service in the "Price before tax" field
- Select the appropriate tax type from the dropdown menu
- Click the "Calculate" button
- Review the results showing the tax amount and total price
The calculator will automatically apply the current Ontario sales tax rates to your input. You can also see how the tax is calculated in the "How this is calculated" section below.
Types of Ontario sales tax
Ontario has several types of sales tax that apply to different products and services:
| Tax Type | Rate | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) | 13% | Most goods and services |
| PST (Provincial Sales Tax) | 8% | Certain goods and services |
| GST (Goods and Services Tax) | 5% | Federal government services |
The HST rate of 13% is the most common and applies to most purchases. The PST rate of 8% applies to specific goods and services, while the GST rate of 5% applies to federal government services.
How the calculation works
The Ontario sales tax calculator uses the following formula to calculate the tax amount and total price:
Where:
- Price is the price of the item or service before tax
- Tax Rate is the percentage of sales tax that applies (13%, 8%, or 5%)
The calculator then adds the tax amount to the original price to determine the total amount you'll pay.
Worked examples
Example 1: Calculating HST on a $100 purchase
If you buy an item priced at $100 with HST:
You would pay $113 in total, with $13 going to Ontario sales tax.
Example 2: Calculating PST on a $50 purchase
If you buy an item priced at $50 with PST:
You would pay $54 in total, with $4 going to Ontario sales tax.
Frequently asked questions
What is the current Ontario sales tax rate?
The current Ontario sales tax rates are 13% for HST, 8% for PST, and 5% for GST. These rates are subject to change, so it's always good to verify the current rates before making a purchase.
Do all purchases in Ontario have sales tax?
Most purchases in Ontario are subject to sales tax, but there are some exceptions. For example, certain basic food items, prescription drugs, and medical supplies may be exempt from sales tax.
How do I know which sales tax rate applies to my purchase?
The sales tax rate that applies to your purchase depends on the type of product or service you're buying. The Ontario sales tax rate calculator can help you determine the correct rate based on the type of purchase.
Is sales tax included in the price I see on store signs?
In Ontario, sales tax is typically included in the price you see on store signs. This means the price you see is the total amount you'll pay, including tax.