VAT Calculator

Instantly add or remove VAT. The best vat calculator uk and global rates tool.

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Net Amount
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VAT Amount
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Gross Amount
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Deep Dive: Understanding VAT Calculations

Value Added Tax (VAT) is a consumption tax placed on a product whenever value is added at each stage of the supply chain, from production to the point of sale. In the United Kingdom, the standard VAT rate is currently 20%.

How to Calculate VAT

Calculating VAT is straightforward once you know the formulas. Whether you need to add VAT to a net price or remove VAT from a gross price, here is how you do it:

Adding VAT (Net to Gross)

To calculate the Gross Price from the Net Price:

VAT = Net Price × (VAT Rate / 100)
Gross Price = Net Price + VAT

Example (20% VAT):
£100 × 0.20 = £20 VAT
£100 + £20 = £120 Gross

Removing VAT (Gross to Net)

To find the Net Price from the Gross Price:

Net Price = Gross Price / (1 + (VAT Rate / 100))
VAT = Gross Price - Net Price

Example (20% VAT):
£120 / 1.20 = £100 Net
£120 - £100 = £20 VAT

Global VAT Rates

While the UK uses 20%, VAT rates vary significantly across the globe. For example, Hungary has one of the highest standard rates at 27%, while countries like Canada use a Goods and Services Tax (GST) which is often lower (5% federal, plus provincial taxes). Our calculator includes presets for most major European and global economies to help you calculate accurately no matter where you are trading.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate VAT from the gross amount?

To remove VAT from a gross price, divide the gross amount by 1 plus the VAT percentage (expressed as a decimal). For 20% VAT, divide by 1.20. For example, £120 / 1.20 = £100.

What is the current VAT rate in the UK?

The standard VAT rate in the UK is 20%. There is also a reduced rate of 5% for some goods (like home energy) and a 0% rate for zero-rated goods (like most food and children's clothes).

How to work out VAT on a calculator?

To add 20% VAT: Enter the net amount, multiply by 1.2.
To remove 20% VAT: Enter the gross amount, divide by 1.2.

Is VAT calculated on the net or gross amount?

VAT is always calculated as a percentage of the Net amount. When you see a price "including VAT" (Gross), the VAT portion is already added to the Net price.

Can I use this for other countries?

Yes! Select your country from the dropdown menu to automatically apply the correct standard VAT rate for that region. You can also enter a custom rate if your specific country or tax bracket isn't listed.

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