UK VAT calculator
Add VAT to a price, or work out how much VAT is inside a price. Choose the standard 20% rate, the reduced 5% rate or the zero rate.
Your VAT
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How to calculate VAT
To add VAT, multiply the price by 1.2 for the 20% standard rate. A £100 price becomes £120, of which £20 is VAT. To take VAT out of a price that already includes it, divide by 1.2. £120 becomes £100, and the VAT inside is £20.
A common mistake is taking 20% off the VAT-inclusive price. That gives £96, not £100, because the VAT is 20% of the price before VAT was added, which is one sixth of the VAT-inclusive price.
The three VAT rates
The standard rate of 20% applies to most goods and services. A reduced rate of 5% applies to a few things, such as home energy and children's car seats. The zero rate, 0%, applies to things like most food and children's clothes. Zero-rated items are still taxable, with VAT charged at 0%. Other items, such as postage stamps and financial services, are exempt from VAT. See GOV.UK: VAT rates.
When a business must register for VAT
A business must register for VAT if its taxable turnover goes over £90,000 in any 12-month period, or it expects to in the next 30 days. Many smaller businesses register earlier by choice. See GOV.UK: When to register for VAT.
What this calculator assumes
- One VAT rate applies to the whole amount.
- Amounts are shown rounded to the nearest penny. On an invoice with many lines, rounding can differ by a penny or so.
- It does not tell you whether VAT applies to your goods or services. Check the rules or ask an accountant.
Questions people ask
How do I work out 20% VAT?
Multiply the price excluding VAT by 0.2 to get the VAT, or by 1.2 to get the total. For a price that already includes VAT, divide by 1.2 to find the price without VAT.
How do I take VAT off a price?
Choose "Take VAT out of a price", enter the price including VAT and pick the rate. The calculator divides by 1.2 at the standard rate and shows the VAT-free price and the VAT itself.
What is the difference between zero-rated and exempt?
Zero-rated goods are taxable at 0%, so a VAT-registered business can still reclaim VAT on its costs for them. Exempt supplies are outside VAT, and a business selling only exempt items generally cannot reclaim VAT.
Is what I type stored or shared?
No. The calculation runs in your browser and nothing you enter is sent to us. Our privacy page has the details.
Is this tax advice?
No. It gives an estimate for information only. For advice about VAT on your own business, speak to an accountant or check GOV.UK.