How to use the calculator

Choose Add VAT if you start from the price before VAT, or Remove VAT if your price already includes VAT.
Enter the amount.
Pick the Country and the VAT rate, or select Custom rate and type your own.

The result shows the net amount, the VAT and the gross total, with the calculation used. Copy link saves the calculation in a shareable URL.

The formulas

Adding VAT:

Gross = Net · (1 + rate)

Removing VAT (reverse VAT):

Net = Gross ÷ (1 + rate)

In both cases VAT = Gross − Net. Write the rate as a decimal: 20% becomes 0.2, so 1 + rate = 1.2.

Worked examples

Adding 20% VAT to £100. 100 · 1.2 = £120, of which £20 is VAT.

Removing 20% VAT from £100 (VAT included). 100 ÷ 1.2 = £83.33 net, so the VAT is £16.67.

Removing 5% VAT from £210. 210 ÷ 1.05 = £200 net and £10 VAT.

The most common mistake

People often remove VAT by taking 20% off the final price. But VAT is 20% of the net price: on a £120 price the VAT is £20, which is only 16.67% of the total. That’s why you divide by 1.2 instead of subtracting 20%. The same logic works for any rate: divide by 1.05 for 5%, by 1.22 for Italy’s 22%.

Which rate applies

The rate depends on the goods or services and on the country. The calculator only does the maths; for borderline cases check the official guidance linked under the result or ask an accountant.

Rates are checked against the official source shown under the result, together with the date of the last check. Results are estimates and do not replace your invoice or professional advice.

Frequently asked questions

How do I remove 20% VAT from a price?

Divide the VAT-inclusive price by 1.2. The result is the net price, and the difference is the VAT. For example, £120 ÷ 1.2 = £100 net and £20 VAT.

Why can't I just take 20% off the gross price?

Because VAT is charged on the net price, not on the total. Taking 20% off £120 gives £96, not £100. The correct way is to divide by 1 + the rate.

How do I add VAT to a price?

Multiply the net price by 1 + the rate. At 20%: £100 · 1.2 = £120, of which £20 is VAT.

What are the UK VAT rates?

The standard rate is 20% and the reduced rate is 5%; some goods and services are zero-rated or exempt. Which rate applies depends on what you sell, so check HMRC guidance (linked under the result) for your case.

Does the calculator round the results?

It calculates with full precision and displays amounts rounded to the penny or cent. Invoices can differ by a few pennies depending on how each line is rounded.

Can I use a rate that isn't listed?

Yes. Choose Custom rate and type any percentage. Italy's rates (22%, 10%, 5% and 4%) are also available in the Country selector.

Result