Aligned with current UK VAT rates

UK VAT calculator for adding or removing VAT

Use this page to add VAT to a net amount, remove VAT from a gross amount, and copy a clear invoice-style breakdown. It is designed for quick checks, invoices and planning, while making the underlying maths easier to follow.

Built for invoice mathsSwitch between adding VAT and extracting VAT without doing the formula manually every time.
Clear VAT contextUnderstand standard, reduced and zero rates, and when the result is only an arithmetic check.
Copyable breakdownCopy a short summary or an invoice-style VAT breakdown for notes, email drafts or bookkeeping checks.

Calculator inputs

£
Enter the number you want to treat as net or gross depending on the mode selected below.
Calculation mode
VAT rate
%
For most goods and services the UK standard rate is 20%. Use 5% where reduced rate treatment applies, or 0% where a supply is zero-rated.
Quick formulas
Add VATVAT = net × rate | gross = net + VAT
Remove VATnet = gross ÷ (1 + rate) | VAT = gross - net

Invoice-style breakdown

£144.00

ModeHow the amount above was treated
Add VAT
Net amountAmount before VAT
£120.00
VAT amountApplied rate: 20%
£24.00
Gross total
£144.00
This is an arithmetic VAT result only. Product classification, exemptions and filing treatment still depend on HMRC rules.

How this UK VAT calculator works

VAT maths is simple once the starting point is clear. If you begin with a net amount, adding VAT means multiplying by the selected rate and then adding the tax amount to the original figure. If you begin with a gross amount, removing VAT means dividing by 1 plus the VAT rate, not just subtracting the percentage from the total.

This page is designed to make that difference obvious. It is useful for invoices, quotes, bookkeeping checks and quick comparisons, especially when you need a clean breakdown you can paste into notes or email drafts.

Use the result as an arithmetic check before preparing an invoice, reconciling a receipt or comparing VAT-inclusive and VAT-exclusive prices. If the question is whether a supply is standard-rated, reduced-rated, zero-rated, exempt or outside scope, confirm the VAT treatment separately.

Current UK VAT rates you will see most often

Rate typeRateTypical use
Standard rate20%Most goods and services.
Reduced rate5%Selected supplies such as some home energy and children's car seats.
Zero rate0%Selected supplies such as most food and children's clothes.

Zero-rated is not the same as exempt

A 0% result in a calculator only means the arithmetic tax rate is zero. In VAT treatment, zero-rated, exempt and outside-scope supplies are different categories. This page helps with the numbers, but the classification still depends on the supply itself and HMRC rules.

When businesses usually need to register for VAT

Many small businesses use a VAT calculator before they register, simply to model future invoices or understand prices. Registration rules depend on taxable turnover over a rolling 12-month period, so the threshold matters if you are close to the limit.

How do I remove 20% VAT from a VAT-inclusive amount?

Divide the gross amount by 1.20. For example, £120 gross becomes £100 net and £20 VAT.

Can I use a custom VAT rate?

Yes. This is helpful for quick maths, international comparisons or checking edge cases, even though UK domestic invoices usually use the standard, reduced or zero rate.

Does this page replace bookkeeping or tax advice?

No. This page is for calculation and explanation. It does not replace VAT registration rules, invoicing requirements or professional advice.