UK VAT Calculator: Add or Remove VAT

Calculate UK VAT at 20%, 5%, 0% or a custom rate. See the net price, VAT amount, gross price and exact workings instantly.

Calculate VAT

Enter the net price before VAT.
Calculation
VAT rate
20% applies to most UK goods and services. 5% applies only to qualifying supplies. 0% is zero-rated and is not the same as exempt or outside scope.
This tool calculates the rate you choose; it cannot classify a transaction or determine VAT liability.
International & invoice options
UK is the primary mode. International rates are a secondary aid and eligibility varies by supply and jurisdiction.
Treats the amount as a per-item price.
Compare methods to explain possible penny differences.

Results

Net£100.00
VAT£20.00
Gross£120.00

£120.00 including VAT contains £20.00 VAT and £100.00 before VAT.

Calculation breakdown

£100.00 × 20% = £20.00 VAT

£100.00 + £20.00 = £120.00 gross

With quantity 1, line and final-total rounding give the same result.

Results use two-decimal currency rounding. All calculations run privately in your browser.

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Worked UK VAT examples

Add 20% VAT to £100

VAT: £100 × 20% = £20. Gross: £100 + £20 = £120.

Standard rate

Extract 20% VAT from £120

Net: £120 ÷ 1.20 = £100. VAT: £120 − £100 = £20.

VAT-inclusive price

Add the 5% reduced rate

For a qualifying £100 supply: £100 × 5% = £5 VAT, so the gross price is £105.

Qualifying supplies only

Use a custom rate

At 17.5%, £80 × 17.5% = £14 VAT, so £80 + £14 = £94 gross.

Any rate from 0% to 100%

Why “minus 20%” is wrong

Subtracting 20% from £120 gives £96, not the £100 net price. The £20 VAT is one sixth of £120 because 20 ÷ 120 = 1 ÷ 6.

Divide by 1.20

How to calculate UK VAT

Enter the amount first. Choose Add VAT to turn a net price into a gross price, or Remove VAT to extract VAT from a gross price. Select 20%, 5%, 0% or a custom rate.

Formulas

  • Add VAT: VAT = Net × rate; Gross = Net + VAT.
  • Remove VAT: Net = Gross ÷ (1 + rate); VAT = Gross − Net.
  • At 20%: multiply net by 1.20 to add VAT, or divide gross by 1.20 to remove it.

Choosing the right UK rate

  • 20% standard rate: applies to most UK goods and services.
  • 5% reduced rate: applies only to specific qualifying supplies.
  • 0% zero rate: applies to qualifying taxable supplies. It is not the same as exempt or outside scope.

The transaction, customer, location and use of a supply can affect its VAT treatment. This calculator performs arithmetic; it does not decide which treatment applies.

Methodology, sources and review

Method: Adding VAT multiplies the net amount by the selected rate. Removing VAT divides the gross amount by 1 plus that rate. Currency results are rounded to two decimal places using the selected invoice method.

Official sources: UK rate claims were checked against GOV.UK VAT rates and HMRC calculation guidance. EU standard-rate presets were checked against the European Commission VAT rates guidance and member-state database.

Last reviewed: 15 July 2026. Checked by: Starlight Tools editorial team.

Limits: This is an arithmetic aid, not tax, accounting or legal advice. It cannot determine the correct VAT treatment, place of supply, exemptions, registration duties or recoverability. Verify the exact transaction with HMRC, the relevant tax authority or a qualified adviser.

UK VAT calculator FAQs

What is the current UK VAT rate?

The standard UK VAT rate is 20%. A 5% reduced rate and 0% zero rate apply only to qualifying goods and services.

How do I add 20% VAT?

Multiply the net price by 1.20. For example, £100 × 1.20 = £120 gross, including £20 VAT.

How do I remove VAT from a price?

Divide the VAT-inclusive price by 1 plus the VAT rate. At 20%, divide by 1.20: £120 ÷ 1.20 = £100 net.

What is the difference between net and gross?

Net is the price before VAT. Gross is the price including VAT. The difference between them is the VAT amount.

Why is 20% VAT one sixth of the gross price?

A 20% rate adds £20 to each £100 net, making £120 gross. The £20 VAT is therefore 20/120, or one sixth, of the gross price.

When does the 5% UK VAT rate apply?

The 5% reduced rate applies only to specified qualifying supplies, such as some domestic energy and children's car seats. Check current HMRC guidance for the exact transaction.

Is zero-rated the same as VAT-exempt?

No. Zero-rated supplies are taxable supplies charged at 0%, while exempt supplies are not taxable supplies. Outside-scope transactions are different again.

Can I use a custom VAT rate?

Yes. Choose Custom and enter any rate from 0% to 100%. Confirm that the rate is legally correct for the supply and jurisdiction.

Why can invoice rounding differ by a penny?

Rounding VAT on each invoice line can produce a different total from calculating VAT on the unrounded final total. Use the invoice options to compare both methods.

Does this calculator determine whether VAT applies?

No. It calculates the rate you choose but cannot classify a supply, establish its place of supply or determine VAT liability. Seek professional advice when needed.

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