VAT Calculator (UK)
Add VAT to a net price or remove VAT from a gross total at the 20% standard, 5% reduced or 0% zero rate. Free, no sign-up, runs entirely in your browser.
Figures rounded to 2 decimals (pence). Verify the correct VAT rate for your goods or services against current HMRC guidance.
How to add or remove VAT
To add VAT to a net price, multiply by (1 + rate/100): a £100 invoice at the 20% standard rate becomes £120 gross, with £20 of VAT. To remove VAT from a price that already includes it, divide by the same factor instead of multiplying: £120 ÷ 1.2 = £100 net. Dividing by 1.05 removes the 5% reduced rate, and a zero-rated item simply has no VAT to remove.
A common mistake is subtracting 20% of the gross figure, which understates the net amount. VAT is calculated on the net price, so the VAT portion of a 20% gross total is one-sixth, not one-fifth.
UK VAT rates
| Rate | Commonly applies to |
|---|---|
| 20% (standard) | Most goods and services |
| 5% (reduced) | Domestic fuel and power, children's car seats, some energy-saving home improvements |
| 0% (zero-rated) | Most food and drink, children's clothes and footwear, books, newspapers and magazines |
| Exempt | Insurance, postage stamps, certain education and financial services (no VAT charged, and exempt sales do not count towards the registration threshold) |
You must register for VAT once your VAT-taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in any rolling 12-month period (threshold effective since 1 April 2024), or if you expect to exceed it in the next 30 days alone. Zero-rated sales count towards the threshold; exempt sales do not.
Frequently asked questions
What is the current VAT rate in the UK?
The standard rate is 20%, covering most goods and services. A 5% reduced rate applies to items such as home energy and children's car seats, and most food, children's clothing, books and newspapers are zero-rated at 0%.
How do I remove VAT from a gross amount?
Divide the gross figure by 1.2 for 20% VAT (or 1.05 for 5%). £120 ÷ 1.2 = £100 net and £20 VAT. Switch this calculator to "Remove VAT" mode to do it in one step.
When do I need to register for VAT?
When your VAT-taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in any rolling 12-month period, or when you expect it to exceed £90,000 in the next 30 days alone. The £90,000 threshold has applied since 1 April 2024.
What do the reduced and zero rates apply to?
5% reduced: domestic fuel and power, children's car seats. 0% zero-rated: most food and drink, children's clothes, books and newspapers. Exempt supplies such as insurance are different again: no VAT is charged and they do not count towards the registration threshold.
Is this VAT calculator free?
Yes. Free, no sign-up, and every calculation runs locally in your browser. Nothing you type is uploaded.