VAT calculator
Work out the gross price from a net amount, or split a VAT-inclusive total into its net price and VAT.
VAT calculator: what it is and how it works
VAT (Value Added Tax) is a consumption tax charged on most goods and services in the United Kingdom and the European Union. Each country sets its own rates: the UK standard rate is 20 % with a reduced rate of 5 %, while EU standard rates range from 17 % to 27 %.
This calculator works in both directions. If you know the price before tax (the net amount), it tells you how much VAT to add and the gross total. If you know the VAT-inclusive price, it separates the net amount from the tax. It is handy for invoices, receipts and pricing.
How to use it
- Choose whether you want to add VAT or remove it.
- Enter the amount and the VAT rate that applies.
- Read the net amount, the VAT and the gross total.
Gross = Net × (1 + rate ÷ 100) · Net = Gross ÷ (1 + rate ÷ 100)Worked example
A product costing €100 before tax at 20 % VAT carries €20 of VAT, so the gross price is €120. In reverse, a €120 receipt including 20 % VAT has a net amount of €100 and €20 of VAT.
Frequently asked questions
How do I remove VAT from a price?
Divide the gross amount by 1 plus the rate as a decimal. At 20 %, divide by 1.20: €120 ÷ 1.20 = €100. Simply subtracting 20 % from the total is wrong, because the rate was applied to the net price, not to the total.
What VAT rates apply in the UK?
The standard rate is 20 %, the reduced rate is 5 % (for example, domestic energy) and some items, such as most food and children’s clothes, are zero-rated.
Does it work for any country?
Yes. Type the VAT or sales-tax rate of the country you need and the calculation is exactly the same.
What is the difference between net and gross?
The net amount is the price before tax; the gross amount is the price including VAT. The difference between them is the VAT you pay or charge.