VAT calculator
Add or remove UK VAT. Type a price once and get both answers.
Both answers appear as you type.
How to remove VAT
Divide the price by 1.2 to get the amount before VAT. The VAT is the total ÷ 6. Don't take 20% off: that removes too much.
How to add VAT
Multiply the price by 1.2. The VAT is the price × 0.2.
How do I remove VAT from a price?
Divide the VAT-inclusive price by 1.2. So £120 including VAT is £100 before VAT, and the VAT is £20. At the 5% reduced rate, divide by 1.05 instead.
Why can't I just take 20% off?
Because the 20% was added to the price before VAT, not to the total. Taking 20% off £120 gives £96, which is wrong. The right answer is £120 ÷ 1.2 = £100. Taking 20% off always removes too much.
How much of a VAT-inclusive price is VAT?
At 20%, the VAT is one sixth of the total: £120 ÷ 6 = £20. At 5%, it's one twenty-first of the total.
How do I add VAT to a price?
Multiply the price by 1.2 to add 20% VAT. £100 becomes £120, and the VAT is £20 (the price × 0.2). For the 5% reduced rate, multiply by 1.05.
What is the UK VAT rate?
The standard rate is 20% and has been since 4 January 2011. There's a 5% reduced rate for a few things such as domestic fuel and power, and a 0% zero rate for things like most food, children's clothes, books and some printed matter.
What's the difference between zero-rated and exempt?
Zero-rated goods are taxable at 0%, so a VAT-registered business selling them can still reclaim the VAT on its own costs. Exempt goods and services, such as most insurance, are outside VAT altogether, and VAT on related costs generally can't be reclaimed.
Is my printing 0% or 20% VAT?
It depends what it is. Some print is zero-rated and some is standard-rated, and the rules are about what the item is, not what it's called. Our print VAT checker tells you in seconds, with the HMRC reason. Ask the taxman →