GST/QST Calculator (Canada)
Calculate GST (5%) and QST (9.975%) on Canadian purchases. Supports Quebec's dual sales tax with instant tax amounts, gross totals, and breakdown charts for all provinces.
About This Calculator
The GST/QST Calculator (Canada) helps you quickly determine the sales tax amount and gross total on any purchase across Canada. Whether you need to calculate the 5% federal GST alone, Quebec's combined 14.975% GST+QST rate, or any provincial HST rate, this tool provides instant accurate results with visual breakdowns.
Canada uses a mixed sales tax system: the federal government imposes a 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) nationwide, while each province adds its own consumption tax. Quebec applies the Quebec Sales Tax (QST / TVQ) at 9.975%, bringing the combined rate to 14.975%. Ontario and four Atlantic provinces use the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), a single blended rate. British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba maintain separate provincial sales taxes (PST/RST) alongside the federal GST.
How the calculation works
The calculator uses the standard sales tax formula: Tax Amount = Net Price × Tax Rate ÷ 100 and Gross Total = Net Price + Tax Amount. For example, on a $100 purchase in Quebec at 14.975%, the GST (5%) is $5.00 and QST (9.975%) is $9.98, for a total tax of $14.98 and a gross total of $114.98. The breakdown and charts display the before-tax amount, tax amount, and after-tax total for full transparency.
Simply enter your pre-tax purchase amount and the applicable tax rate for your province. The calculator instantly computes the tax amount, net amount, and gross total, and displays both a bar chart and pie chart breakdown of the transaction components.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between GST and QST?
GST (Goods and Services Tax) is a 5% federal tax applied across Canada. QST (Quebec Sales Tax, or TVQ) is a 9.975% provincial tax that applies only in Quebec. When combined, the total sales tax rate in Quebec is 14.975%.
How do I calculate GST and QST on a purchase?
To calculate GST and QST, multiply the net price by the applicable rate. For example, on a $100 purchase in Quebec, GST is 5% ($5.00) and QST is 9.975% ($9.98), making the gross total $114.98. In provinces with only GST, multiply by 5% for the tax amount.
What provinces use HST instead of separate GST and PST?
Ontario (13%), New Brunswick (15%), Newfoundland and Labrador (15%), Nova Scotia (15%), and Prince Edward Island (15%) use HST (Harmonized Sales Tax), which combines the federal GST with the provincial sales tax into a single rate. British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Quebec use separate GST and provincial sales tax systems.
Which products are exempt from GST/QST in Canada?
Basic groceries, prescription drugs, medical devices, child care services, and most residential rent are zero-rated or exempt from GST/HST in Canada. Financial services, health care, and educational services are also generally exempt. Some provinces also exempt children's clothing and books from provincial sales tax.
Is the GST/QST calculator free to use?
Yes, this GST/QST calculator is completely free to use with no registration required. Simply enter the amount and tax rate to get instant results with detailed breakdowns and charts. You can also share your calculation via the URL.
Can I use this calculator for HST provinces like Ontario?
Yes! While this calculator is designed for the GST/QST system in Quebec, you can use it for any Canadian sales tax by entering the appropriate combined rate. For Ontario HST, enter 13%. For Atlantic HST provinces, enter 15%. This flexibility makes it useful across all Canadian provinces.
How do I calculate reverse GST/QST from a total amount?
To calculate the before-tax amount from a total that includes GST/QST, divide the gross amount by (1 + rate/100). For example, from a $114.98 total in Quebec (14.975%), the before-tax amount would be $114.98 ÷ 1.14975 = $100.00. The tax amount can then be found by subtracting the net from the gross.
Are businesses required to register for GST/QST in Canada?
Businesses in Canada with annual worldwide revenues over $30,000 in a calendar quarter must register for GST/HST. In Quebec, businesses must also register separately for QST with Revenu Quebec once they exceed the threshold. Once registered, businesses charge tax on taxable supplies and can claim input tax credits for tax paid on business expenses. Small suppliers below the threshold may voluntarily register.