UK VAT Calculator

Add or remove VAT

Add VAT on top of an amount, or work out the net price and VAT already included in a total.

Amount (£)

VAT rate

0% (zero-rated) 5% (reduced) 20% (standard)

Custom rate (optional, overrides above)

Mode

Add VAT Remove VAT (amount is total)

Total (incl. VAT)

£0

Net amount£0

VAT amount£0

UK VAT has three rates: 20% standard, 5% reduced (e.g. domestic energy, children's car seats), and 0% zero-rated (e.g. most food, books, children's clothing) — some goods are instead VAT-exempt entirely, which isn't the same as 0%-rated. Always confirm the applicable rate for your specific goods/services with current HMRC guidance.

How the UK VAT calculator works

Adds VAT on top of a net amount, or — in "remove" mode — treats your entered amount as a VAT-inclusive total and backs out the net price and VAT portion.

All calculations run entirely in your browser — there's no upload, no account, and no server involved at any point. Results update live as you type.

Worked example

A freelance consultant invoices a UK client £2,000 for a project at the standard 20% rate. In "add VAT" mode, this calculator shows £400 VAT, for an invoice total of £2,400. If instead you'd already agreed a VAT-inclusive fixed price of £2,400 with the client, switch to "remove VAT" mode and enter £2,400 — you'll get back the same £2,000 net and £400 VAT split, which is the figure you'd report as output VAT.

When you need to register for VAT

VAT registration becomes mandatory once your taxable turnover exceeds the current threshold (£90,000 as of the 2024 rules, reviewed periodically by HMRC) in any rolling 12-month period — not just your accounting year. Below that, registration is voluntary, and some small businesses register early anyway so they can reclaim VAT on business purchases, even though it means adding VAT to their own invoices. Always confirm the current threshold on gov.uk, since it is revised from time to time.

Frequently asked questions

How do I calculate VAT on an invoice in the UK?

Multiply the net (VAT-exclusive) amount by the VAT rate to get the VAT amount, then add it to get the gross total. This calculator does that instantly, and can also work backward from a VAT-inclusive total.

What is the current standard UK VAT rate?

The UK standard VAT rate is 20% for most goods and services, though reduced rates (5%) and zero rates apply to specific categories. Enter your applicable rate manually if it differs from the standard rate.

How do I find the net price from a VAT-inclusive total?

Use the 'remove VAT' direction on this calculator — enter the gross total and it will calculate the net price and the VAT portion separately.

UK VAT calculator, done in your browser.