VAT Calculator
Add VAT to a net price or strip VAT out of a gross, VAT-inclusive total. Switch the rate to 20%, 5% or anything you need — the result updates as you type.
The numbers you enter are processed in your browser and aren't sent to a server or stored. Figures are rounded to two decimal places; your final invoice or VAT return may round differently.
How to Add and Remove VAT
VAT (Value Added Tax) is charged as a percentage on top of a net price. Two calculations come up again and again, and people mix them up constantly.
Adding VAT to a net amount is simple — multiply by the rate and add it on. At 20%, a £1,000 net invoice becomes £1,200.
Removing VAT from a gross figure trips people up. You divide by 1 plus the rate, not subtract the rate. £1,200 including 20% VAT is £1,200 ÷ 1.20 = £1,000 net, not £1,200 − 20% (£960). The calculator above handles both directions for you.
UK VAT Rates at a Glance
- Standard rate — 20%: most goods and services.
- Reduced rate — 5%:some items such as domestic energy and children's car seats.
- Zero rate — 0%:most food, children's clothing, books and more (still VAT-taxable, just at 0%).
- Exempt:things like insurance and some education — no VAT is charged, and unlike zero-rated supplies you generally can't reclaim VAT on related costs.
Rates and categories change and have exceptions — confirm the right rate for what you sell on GOV.UK or with an accountant. This tool is for quick estimates, not tax advice.
Need to put VAT on an actual invoice? Build a VAT-correct one in seconds with our free invoice generator, or start from a freelance invoice template. Not sure if you should be charging VAT yet? Read Do I Need to Register for VAT?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I add VAT to a price?
Multiply the net amount by the VAT rate and add it back. At 20%, £1,000 net becomes £1,000 × 0.20 = £200 VAT, so £1,200 gross. The calculator does this automatically in "Add VAT" mode.
How do I remove VAT from a gross (VAT-inclusive) amount?
Divide the gross amount by 1 plus the rate. At 20%, £1,200 gross ÷ 1.20 = £1,000 net, leaving £200 of VAT. Use "Remove VAT" mode and enter the VAT-inclusive figure. A common mistake is to subtract 20% of the gross — that gives the wrong answer.
What is the standard UK VAT rate?
The standard UK VAT rate is 20%. A reduced rate of 5% applies to some goods and services (such as domestic energy), and some items are zero-rated or exempt. Always confirm the correct rate for what you're selling on GOV.UK.
Do I have to charge VAT?
Only if you're VAT registered. In the UK that's mandatory once your VAT-taxable turnover crosses the registration threshold, and optional below it. See our guide on whether you need to register for VAT.
Is this VAT calculator accurate for my country?
The maths is the same everywhere — only the rate changes. Set your local rate (for example 23% in Ireland, 10% for Australian GST) using the rate field or a preset. For tax filing, always confirm rates and rules with your own tax authority.