Use the United Kingdom VAT Calculator to add VAT to a net price or remove VAT from a VAT-inclusive price. Select the UK standard, reduced or zero rate, or enter a custom rate for historical and specialist calculations.
Calculate VAT
Results are rounded to two decimal places for display. Invoice-level and line-level VAT rounding can occasionally differ by a penny.
Current UK VAT rates
| Rate | Percentage | General use |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 20% | Most taxable goods and services |
| Reduced | 5% | Certain qualifying goods and services |
| Zero | 0% | Zero-rated supplies such as many foods and children’s clothes |
Some supplies are exempt or outside the scope of VAT. A zero-rated supply is not the same as an exempt supply, even though both may show no VAT charged to the customer.
How to add VAT
When the starting amount excludes VAT, multiply it by the VAT rate to find the tax. Add that VAT amount to the net price to find the gross price.
Gross amount = Net amount + VAT
At the standard 20% rate, £100 net produces £20 VAT and a £120 gross total.
How to remove VAT
Do not simply subtract 20% from a VAT-inclusive amount. The VAT is 20% of the net figure, not 20% of the gross figure. Divide the gross amount by 1.20 at the standard rate.
VAT = Gross amount − Net amount
For example, removing 20% VAT from £120 gives £100 net and £20 VAT.
Using quantity
The entered amount is treated as a per-item value. The calculator multiplies it by quantity before calculating the totals, while also displaying net, VAT and gross values per item. This can help with quotations, invoices and purchase comparisons.
Custom VAT rates
The custom option can be used for historical calculations or a rate specified by professional guidance. It does not determine whether a product qualifies for a rate. Check the official VAT guidance for the correct treatment.
VAT registration and business records
VAT-registered businesses generally charge the correct VAT rate on taxable sales, keep records of VAT paid on purchases and report output and input VAT through VAT returns. The amount paid to HMRC is usually the difference between VAT charged and recoverable VAT paid, subject to the applicable rules.
Official sources
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Frequently asked questions
What is the standard UK VAT rate?
The standard UK VAT rate is 20% and applies to most taxable goods and services.
How do I add 20% VAT?
Multiply the net amount by 0.20 for the VAT, or by 1.20 for the VAT-inclusive total.
How do I remove 20% VAT?
Divide the VAT-inclusive amount by 1.20 to find the net amount, then subtract it from the gross amount to find VAT.
Is zero-rated the same as VAT exempt?
No. Zero-rated supplies are taxable at 0%, while exempt supplies have a different VAT treatment.
Can I enter a custom VAT rate?
Yes. Select Custom rate and enter a percentage between 0% and 100%.
Important: This calculator provides arithmetic estimates and does not decide which VAT rate or scheme legally applies.