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UK VAT Calculator
Add or remove United Kingdom VAT at the 20% standard, 5% reduced, or 0% zero rate — with exempt supplies covered too.
Calculator & Result
Estimate only, based on the rate you select. This is not tax advice.
How to Use This Calculator
- Review the default values and replace them with your own Amount (£) and UK VAT rate.
- Choose the VAT rate that applies to the item — standard 20%, reduced 5%, zero 0%, or exempt.
- Choose whether your price excludes VAT (add VAT) or already includes VAT (extract VAT).
- Read the VAT amount first, then compare the net and gross amounts.
Detailed Breakdown
United Kingdom VAT has three rates: the standard rate of 20% on most goods and services, the reduced rate of 5% on items such as domestic fuel and power and children's car seats, and the zero rate of 0% on items such as most food and children's clothes. Some supplies, such as insurance and most financial services, are exempt: no VAT is charged, and unlike zero-rated supplies, related input VAT cannot be recovered. This calculator adds VAT to a net price or extracts it from a gross price at the rate you select.
This page reports VAT amount, Net amount (ex VAT), Gross amount (inc VAT), VAT rate applied. The first value is the headline estimate; the other values help you understand the calculation. Use the result as a planning starting point, and check the rate against GOV.UK before relying on it for a real transaction.
Examples
Using the sample inputs (Amount (£): 120; UK VAT rate: Standard rate — 20%; Price type: Price excluding VAT), the VAT amount is £24.00 and the gross amount is £144.00. Change the inputs above to try your own values.
Assumptions and Limitations
- United Kingdom VAT has three rates: the standard rate of 20% on most goods and services, the reduced rate of 5% on items such as domestic fuel and power and children's car seats, and the zero rate of 0% on items such as most food and children's clothes. Some supplies, such as insurance and most financial services, are exempt: no VAT is charged, and unlike zero-rated supplies, related input VAT cannot be recovered. This calculator adds VAT to a net price or extracts it from a gross price at the rate you select.
- Rates follow GOV.UK as checked in November 2026; the standard rate has been 20% since 4 January 2011. Rates and category lists can change — check GOV.UK before relying on a rate.
- This calculator does not determine which rate applies to a specific item: that depends on the goods or services and their circumstances, per GOV.UK's rate guide.
- Results are estimates only, not tax advice. Verify important figures with HMRC guidance or a qualified adviser before acting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the UK VAT Calculator calculate?
Add or remove United Kingdom VAT at the 20% standard, 5% reduced, or 0% zero rate — with exempt supplies covered too. Enter an amount, pick the rate, and choose whether the price excludes VAT (add VAT) or already includes it (extract VAT).
What is the difference between zero-rated and exempt?
Both add no VAT to the price, but they are treated differently. Zero-rated sales are inside the VAT system: the sale counts towards taxable turnover and a VAT-registered business can reclaim VAT on related costs. Exempt supplies sit outside the system: no VAT is charged and related input VAT cannot be recovered.
How do I remove VAT from a VAT-inclusive price?
Divide by 1 plus the rate: at the 20% standard rate, divide the gross price by 1.20. The difference between the gross price and the result is the VAT. This calculator's 'extract' mode does exactly that.
Can I use this result for my VAT return?
No. This is an estimate for planning and checking. A VAT return must follow HMRC rules for the business, including which rate applies and what input VAT may be reclaimed.
Reference Sources
- GOV.UK — VAT rates (standard 20%, reduced 5%, zero 0%, and exempt examples)
- GOV.UK — VAT rates on different goods and services (which items fall under each rate)
Rates were checked in November 2026. If a rate changes, GOV.UK is the authoritative source.
