UK VAT Calculator

Add VAT to a net price or remove VAT from a VAT-inclusive total. The UK standard rate is 20%, with a reduced 5% and a 0% zero rate — the same rates apply in Northern Ireland.

Quick answer: To add 20% UK VAT, multiply the net price by 1.2; to remove it, divide the total by 1.2. UK rates are 20% standard, 5% reduced and 0% zero — the same in Northern Ireland.

Amount (£)

VAT rate

Calculation

Value Added Tax (VAT) in the United Kingdom is charged at a standard rate of 20%, with a reduced rate of 5% on things like domestic energy and children's car seats, and a zero rate on most food, books and children's clothes. This calculator both adds VAT to a net price and removes VAT from a gross (VAT-inclusive) total. For sales in other countries, see our Ireland VAT, New Zealand GST and India GST calculators.

How to add and remove VAT

Add VAT: VAT = net × rate% · gross = net + VAT
Remove VAT: net = gross ÷ (1 + rate%) · VAT = gross − net

Worked example

A net price of £100 at 20% VAT: the VAT is £20, so the total is £120. Going the other way, a £120 bill that includes 20% VAT breaks down as net £100 ÷ 1.2 and £20 VAT. To add VAT you multiply by 1.2; to remove it you divide by 1.2.

UK VAT rates

The 20% standard rate applies to most goods and services. The 5% reduced rate covers domestic fuel and power, children's car seats, and some energy-saving materials. The 0% zero rate applies to most food, books, newspapers, and young children's clothing and footwear — these are taxable but at 0%, which is different from VAT-exempt items. Northern Ireland follows the same UK VAT rates.

Frequently asked questions

How do I add 20% VAT to a price?

Multiply the net price by 1.2. For £100, that is £100 × 1.2 = £120, of which £20 is VAT.

How do I remove VAT from a total?

Divide the VAT-inclusive total by 1.2 (for 20%). The result is the net price; the difference is the VAT.

What VAT rate applies in Northern Ireland?

The same UK rates — 20% standard, 5% reduced and 0% zero — apply in Northern Ireland as in the rest of the UK.

Is zero-rated the same as VAT-exempt?

No. Zero-rated goods are taxable at 0%, so businesses can reclaim input VAT. Exempt goods are outside VAT and input VAT usually cannot be reclaimed.

Related calculators

Estimates for general guidance only, not tax advice. Confirm the correct VAT rate for your goods or services with HMRC before relying on the figure.

Written by the CalcPine team · Reviewed for accuracy · Last updated 23 July 2026 · Method: add VAT = net × (1 + rate); remove VAT = gross ÷ (1 + rate). UK rates 20% / 5% / 0%.