How to use this VAT calculator
- Choose Add VAT or Remove VAT. Add VAT if your figure is before VAT (net). Remove VAT if your figure already includes VAT (gross).
- Enter the amount. You can type £ signs and commas — the calculator ignores them.
- Pick the rate. 20% standard, 5% reduced, 0% zero-rated, or a custom rate for other countries.
- Read the result. Net, VAT and gross appear instantly, with the formula underneath. Use Copy results to paste them into an email or spreadsheet.
How VAT calculations work
Adding VAT
Multiply the net price by the VAT rate to get the VAT, then add it on. At 20%, that is the same as multiplying the net price by 1.2 in one step.
£125 net × 20% = £25 VAT. £125 + £25 = £150 including VAT.
Removing VAT
Divide the gross price by 1.2 (at 20%) to get the net price, then subtract the net from the gross to find the VAT.
£150 ÷ 1.2 = £125 net. £150 − £125 = £25 VAT.
This is the calculation people most often get wrong. Adding 20% to £100 gives £120 — but taking 20% off £120 gives £96, not £100, because the 20% was originally added to the smaller number. Always divide by 1.2. The Remove VAT mode does this for you. For the full method, see how to work out VAT backwards.
The VAT fraction shortcut
At 20%, the VAT inside any VAT-inclusive price is exactly one sixth of the total. £120 ÷ 6 = £20 VAT. At 5%, it is one twenty-first.
Worked examples at each UK rate
| Rate | Net | VAT | Gross |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20% standard | £100.00 | £20.00 | £120.00 |
| 20% standard | £49.99 | £10.00 | £59.99 |
| 20% standard | £125.00 | £25.00 | £150.00 |
| 5% reduced | £200.00 | £10.00 | £210.00 |
| 0% zero-rated | £40.00 | £0.00 | £40.00 |
Read the table in either direction: net to gross when adding VAT, or gross back to net when removing it. The figures reconcile exactly both ways — that is the check to run on any VAT calculation.
The three UK VAT rates
The 20% standard rate applies to most goods and services. The 5% reduced rate covers a limited list including domestic gas, children's car seats and mobility aids for older people. The 0% zero rate applies to most food, children's clothing, books and public transport. Some things are exempt — insurance, most financial services and education — which is different from zero-rated in ways that matter for businesses.
From 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027, domestic electricity in Great Britain is temporarily zero-rated (0% instead of 5%). Northern Ireland stays at 5%, and gas stays at 5%. See the full list on our UK VAT rates page (last reviewed 26 September 2026).
Frequently asked questions
What is the current UK VAT rate?
20% is the standard rate, unchanged since January 2011. There is also a 5% reduced rate and a 0% zero rate for specific goods and services. Rates can change at a Budget, so confirm on GOV.UK for anything official.
How do I calculate 20% VAT on a price?
Multiply the net price by 0.2 to get the VAT, then add it on — or multiply by 1.2 to get the total in one step. For £100, the VAT is £20 and the total is £120.
How do I remove VAT from a price?
Divide the VAT-inclusive price by 1.2 (at 20%) to get the net price, then subtract that from the original to find the VAT. Do not subtract 20% — it gives the wrong answer.
What is 125 plus VAT?
At 20%, £125 plus VAT is £150 (£125 + £25 VAT). Enter 125 in Add VAT mode to see the working.
What is the VAT fraction?
The share of a VAT-inclusive price that is VAT. At 20% it is one sixth; at 5% it is one twenty-first.
Is VAT the same in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?
Yes. VAT is a UK-wide tax, so the rates are the same in all four nations.
Can I use this for other countries' VAT or sales tax?
Yes — choose Custom rate and enter the rate that applies. The maths is the same: multiply by (1 + rate) to add, divide by (1 + rate) to remove.
Do I need to be VAT registered to use this?
No. It is just as useful for checking a supplier's figures or splitting a receipt as it is for a registered business preparing invoices.
Is this a substitute for accounting advice?
No. It gives quick, accurate figures, but it is not tax advice. For VAT returns or anything you submit to HMRC, check official guidance or speak to an accountant.