VAT Calculator

Add or remove VAT — at 20%, 5%, or 0%.

£
Amount before VAT
UK VAT standard rate: 20%. Reduced rate (5%) applies to home energy, child car seats, etc.

How to Use This Calculator

Add VAT tab

Enter the net amount (price before VAT) and select the VAT rate from the dropdown. The calculator instantly shows the VAT amount and gross total. Use this when you know the ex-VAT price and need to work out the VAT-inclusive figure for an invoice or receipt.

Remove VAT tab

Enter the gross amount (price including VAT) and select the VAT rate. The calculator instantly breaks down the net amount and the VAT portion. Use this when you have a VAT-inclusive total and need to extract the VAT — for example, reclaiming input VAT on a business expense.

Instant result

Results update as you type — no need to press a button. Switch between Add and Remove tabs to calculate in either direction.

Share your result

Every input is encoded in the URL. Click Share, send the link — they'll see your exact numbers. No re-entering, no screenshots.

The Formula

VAT is a percentage added to the net price. To reverse it, divide by 1 plus the rate expressed as a decimal.

Add VAT: Gross = Net × (1 + Rate)

Remove VAT: Net = Gross ÷ (1 + Rate)

VAT amount: VAT = Gross − Net

Shortcut: VAT at 20% = Gross ÷ 6

Example

Adding VAT to an invoice

A freelancer invoices a client for £500 plus VAT at the standard rate of 20%.

Net amount£500.00
VAT at 20%£100.00
Gross total£600.00

Removing VAT from a gross amount

A receipt shows £600 including VAT at 20%. To find the net price and VAT portion:

Gross amount£600.00
Net amount£500.00
VAT£100.00

Reduced rate — energy bill

A £1,000 domestic energy bill includes VAT at the reduced rate of 5%.

Gross amount£1,000.00
Net amount£952.38
VAT at 5%£47.62

FAQ

The VAT registration threshold is £90,000 from April 2024. If your taxable turnover exceeds this amount over any rolling 12-month period, you must register for VAT with HMRC. You can also register voluntarily below the threshold if you want to reclaim input VAT on purchases.
Most food and drink (excluding restaurant meals, alcohol, and confectionery), children's clothing and footwear, books and newspapers, and public transport are zero-rated. Zero-rated means VAT is charged at 0% — the items are still taxable, but the rate is nil.
Zero-rated goods and services are technically taxable at 0%, which means the business can still reclaim input VAT on related purchases. Exempt supplies (such as financial services, education, and health services) are outside the VAT system entirely — no VAT is charged, but the business cannot reclaim input VAT on costs related to those exempt supplies.
To extract VAT from a gross (VAT-inclusive) price, divide by 1 plus the VAT rate as a decimal. For the standard rate of 20%, divide the gross amount by 1.20 to get the net price. For the reduced rate of 5%, divide by 1.05. The VAT amount is the difference between gross and net. A handy shortcut for 20% VAT: divide the gross by 6 to get the VAT amount directly.

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