GST/QST Calculator for Canada
Calculate GST and QST taxes in Canada quickly and accurately.
How the GST/QST Calculator Works
This calculator handles the two main consumption taxes in Canada: the federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) and provincial taxes that apply depending on the province or territory. The calculation method depends on whether you are in a province that uses the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) or a province that applies separate provincial sales taxes like the Quebec Sales Tax (QST).
The tool applies the correct tax rate based on the province you select. For provinces using HST, the federal and provincial portions are combined into a single rate. For Quebec, the GST and QST are calculated separately and then added together. For provinces with only GST, no provincial tax is applied.
Current Tax Rates by Province
| Province / Territory | Tax Type | Total Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | GST only | 5% |
| British Columbia | GST + PST | 12% |
| Manitoba | GST + RST | 12% |
| New Brunswick | HST | 15% |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | HST | 15% |
| Northwest Territories | GST only | 5% |
| Nova Scotia | HST | 15% |
| Nunavut | GST only | 5% |
| Ontario | HST | 13% |
| Prince Edward Island | HST | 15% |
| Quebec | GST + QST | 14.975% |
| Saskatchewan | GST + PST | 11% |
| Yukon | GST only | 5% |
How to Use the Calculator
Enter the amount you want to calculate tax on, then select the province or territory. The calculator supports two calculation modes:
- Add Tax — Calculates the total price including tax. Use this when you know the pre-tax price and need the final amount to charge or pay.
- Remove Tax — Calculates the pre-tax amount from a total that already includes tax. Use this when you have a tax-inclusive price and need to determine the base amount.
The result shows the tax amount and the total or base amount depending on the mode selected.
Understanding Your Results
The calculator provides two key figures:
- Tax Amount — The total GST and/or QST applied to the transaction.
- Total Amount (Add Tax mode) — The original amount plus the calculated tax.
- Amount Before Tax (Remove Tax mode) — The original amount before tax was applied.
For Quebec, the GST is calculated on the pre-tax amount, and the QST is calculated on the pre-tax amount plus the GST. This means the effective QST rate is slightly higher than the nominal rate of 9.975%.
Common Mistakes When Calculating GST/QST
- Using the wrong rate for Quebec — The QST is calculated on the price including GST, not on the pre-tax amount alone. A simple 5% + 9.975% addition will give an incorrect result.
- Confusing HST with separate GST and PST — In HST provinces, the combined rate is applied to the full amount. In provinces with separate GST and PST, each tax is calculated on the same base amount.
- Applying tax to tax-exempt items — Some goods and services are exempt from GST, QST, or PST. This calculator assumes the full rate applies. Verify exemptions separately.
- Using Remove Tax mode incorrectly — When removing tax, the calculator divides the total by 1 + the tax rate. Using Add Tax logic in reverse will produce an incorrect base amount.
Practical Use Cases
- Retail pricing — Determine the final price to charge customers in different provinces.
- Invoice preparation — Calculate the tax portion to show separately on invoices for business clients.
- Expense reporting — Extract the pre-tax amount from receipts that show only the total.
- Budgeting — Estimate the tax cost when planning purchases across provinces.
- Freelance and contract work — Calculate the total amount to charge clients including applicable taxes.
Limitations
This calculator uses standard tax rates and does not account for:
- Tax exemptions on specific goods or services
- Rebates or credits (such as the GST/HST new housing rebate)
- Business input tax credits
- Provincial sales tax variations for specific product categories
- Tax calculations for imports or exports
Always verify with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) or Revenu Québec for your specific situation, especially for business use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between GST and HST?
GST (Goods and Services Tax) is a 5% federal tax applied across Canada. HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) combines the federal GST with the provincial sales tax into a single rate. HST is used in Ontario, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. The total HST rate varies by province.
How is QST calculated in Quebec?
In Quebec, the GST (5%) is calculated on the pre-tax amount. The QST (9.975%) is then calculated on the pre-tax amount plus the GST. This results in an effective total tax rate of 14.975% on the original pre-tax amount.
Can I use this calculator for business tax filings?
This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes. For business tax filings, GST/HST returns, or QST remittances, use the official rates and formulas provided by the CRA or Revenu Québec. Business calculations may also involve input tax credits that this tool does not account for.
Why does the Remove Tax calculation give a different result than reversing the Add Tax calculation?
Add Tax multiplies the pre-tax amount by 1 + the tax rate. Remove Tax divides the total by 1 + the tax rate. These are mathematically inverse operations, so they should produce consistent results. If you see a discrepancy, check that you are using the same province and amount in both modes.
Are there items that are exempt from GST or QST?
Yes. Certain goods and services are zero-rated (taxable at 0%) or exempt from GST, HST, or QST. Examples include basic groceries, prescription drugs, medical devices, and some educational services. This calculator applies the full standard rate and does not account for exemptions.