Add VAT — or take it back out of a total
UK and EU rates built in, custom rate welcome. Nothing is submitted anywhere.
🔒 Pro: multi-item breakdown
Invoice-style list — each line gets its own VAT, with totals at the bottom.
How the VAT math works
- Adding VAT — gross = net × (1 + rate). £100 at 20% → £120.
- Removing VAT — net = gross ÷ (1 + rate). £120 at 20% → £100 net, £20 VAT. Dividing by 1.2 is the mistake-proof way; subtracting 20% of the total gives the wrong answer.
- Rates — UK standard 20%, reduced 5% (domestic energy), zero 0% (most food, books, kids' clothes). EU rates vary by country and change — pick the closest or use Custom.
Why use VATCalc?
- Both directions — add VAT to a net price, or extract the VAT back out of a gross receipt.
- Rates built in — UK and the major EU standard rates, one tap, no lookup.
- Confidential — your amounts never leave your browser.
FAQ
Why can't I just subtract 20% from the total?
Because the total already includes the VAT. £120 gross at 20% contains £20 VAT, not £24 — 20% of £120. Always divide by 1.2 to reverse it.
What VAT rate applies to my item?
It depends on the goods or service and the country. This calculator does the arithmetic for whichever rate applies — check gov.uk or your national tax authority for the classification.
Can I use a custom rate?
Yes — pick "Custom…" and type any rate, including historic ones (e.g. the UK's old 17.5%).
Is my data stored?
Only in your own browser's local storage. There is no server and no upload.