Tax & finance
VAT calculator — UK & EU
Free VAT calculator for 2026: add VAT to a net price, remove VAT from a gross total (reverse VAT), or estimate a tax-free shopping refund by country. UK presets at 20%, 5%, and 0%, plus Ireland and common EU shopping rates. Export to CSV or PDF — illustrative only, not tax advice. UK shelf prices are usually VAT inclusive. To split a receipt total, use Remove VAT and divide by 1.20 at the standard rate — do not subtract 20% of the gross. For US sales tax, see our sales tax calculator.
What is VAT?
Value Added Tax (VAT) is a consumption tax on goods and services. In the UK and most of the EU, the price you see on the shelf usually includes VAT (a gross or tax-inclusive price). VAT-registered businesses charge VAT on sales and can often reclaim VAT on eligible business purchases.
This VAT calculator UK page focuses on the 20% standard rate, with 5% and 0% presets where they apply. It is different from US sales tax, which is usually added at checkout. For official rates see GOV.UK VAT rates and the EU VAT overview.
How to use this VAT calculator
Choose a mode on the rail above the inputs. Results update as you type — no submit button. Use presets (£100, £500, £1,000) or enter any amount.
Add VAT
Start from a net (ex-VAT) quote. Choose United Kingdom 20% or another region. Hero shows gross total.
Remove VAT
Start from a gross receipt or shelf price. The result highlights net (ex-VAT); the breakdown shows the VAT amount — your remove VAT calculator workflow.
Tax-free refund
Estimate what you might get back after minimum spend rules and operator commission. Optionally compare countries on the same spend.
Choose Add VAT, Remove VAT, or Tax-free refund
Add VAT when you start from a net (ex-VAT) price. Remove VAT when the total already includes VAT. Tax-free refund estimates shopping VAT you may get back after operator fees.
Enter the amount and VAT rate
Select United Kingdom or another region, then standard (20%), reduced (5%), or zero (0%). Use a custom rate in the calculator if you need a different percentage.
Review net, VAT, and gross
The breakdown shows all three figures. Copy the result, turn on the invoice snippet if needed, or export to CSV or PDF.
Compare tax-free refunds (optional)
In Tax-free refund mode, enter gross spend, choose the shopping country, set operator commission, and optionally compare countries on the same spend.
Add VAT calculator
An add VAT calculator turns a net (ex-VAT) price into the gross amount the customer pays. Freelancers and small businesses use it when they quote excluding VAT but need the invoice total at 20%, 5%, or another rate.
Gross = Net × (1 + rate ÷ 100). At 20%, multiply the net by 1.20. VAT is Gross − Net.
Example: £250 net × 1.20 = £300 gross (£50 VAT). Select Add VAT, United Kingdom, standard 20%, enter 250.
VAT calculator examples at 20% (UK)
Worked examples for the standard 20% UK VAT rate. Match these in Add VAT or Remove VAT mode with United Kingdom selected.
| Starting amount | Mode | Net | VAT (20%) | Gross |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £100 net | Add VAT | £100.00 | £20.00 | £120.00 |
| £500 net | Add VAT | £500.00 | £100.00 | £600.00 |
| £1,000 net | Add VAT | £1,000.00 | £200.00 | £1,200.00 |
| £600 gross | Remove VAT | £500.00 | £100.00 | £600.00 |
| £1,200 gross | Remove VAT | £1,000.00 | £200.00 | £1,200.00 |
At 20%, VAT is one fifth of the net and one sixth of the gross — not 20% of the gross total.
UK VAT rates (2026)
The standard UK VAT rate is 20%. A reduced rate of 5% applies to some energy and building work. Many goods qualify for zero rate (0%) such as most food and books. Exempt supplies are outside VAT — different from zero-rated.
In the calculator, pick Standard, Reduced, or Zero (0%) after choosing United Kingdom. Use custom rate only when you already know the exact percentage for your supply.
| UK VAT category | Rate | Typical examples (not exhaustive) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 20% | Most goods and services, electronics, consultancy |
| Reduced | 5% | Some domestic energy, qualifying building work, children’s car seats |
| Zero-rated | 0% | Most food, books, newspapers, children’s clothes |
| Exempt | N/A | Some insurance, education, health — not calculated here |
Quick maths at the standard rate: add VAT with × 1.20; remove VAT with ÷ 1.20. Example: £500 net → £600 gross (£100 VAT).
When does 5% UK VAT apply?
The reduced rate covers a defined list of supplies — not everything in a shop basket. Common cases include certain domestic energy and energy-saving materials, and some building work on qualifying properties.
If you are unsure which rate applies to a product line, check GOV.UK or your accountant. This tool applies the rate you select — it does not classify goods.
Zero-rated vs exempt — why it matters for businesses
Zero-rated sales are taxed at 0% but still within VAT; VAT-registered businesses can often reclaim input VAT on costs.
Exempt sales are outside VAT; input VAT on related costs is usually not reclaimable. Both may look like “no VAT on the receipt” to a shopper — the distinction matters for bookkeeping, not for this simple net/gross calculator.
5% and 0% VAT examples (UK)
Not every purchase uses 20%. Select Reduced or Zero (0%) in the calculator when you know the supply qualifies.
| Rate | Net | VAT | Gross |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5% | £200.00 | £10.00 | £210.00 |
| 5% (remove) | £952.38 | £47.62 | £1,000.00 |
| 0% | £80.00 | £0.00 | £80.00 |
At 0%, net and gross are the same; the VAT line is zero. At 5%, divide a gross total by 1.05 to remove VAT — same logic as ÷ 1.20 at the standard rate.
Ireland & EU VAT rate presets
Use the Country / region dropdown for quick standard VAT rates when pricing or checking receipts abroad. Reduced and zero rates in the calculator follow each preset; product-specific rules still apply.
| Region | Standard VAT | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 20% | GBP |
| Ireland | 23% | EUR |
| Germany | 19% | EUR |
| France | 20% | EUR |
| Spain | 21% | EUR |
| Italy | 22% | EUR |
| Netherlands | 21% | EUR |
For German-language MwSt guidance and DACH presets, use our Mehrwertsteuer-Rechner. This page is in English for UK and EU shoppers and businesses.
Reverse VAT calculator (remove VAT)
A reverse VAT calculator — the same as a remove VAT calculator — splits a tax-inclusive total into net and VAT. Use it when you have a gross receipt, invoice total, or shelf price and need the ex-VAT figure.
| Approach | On £600 gross @ 20% | Correct? |
|---|---|---|
| Divide by 1.20 | £500 net, £100 VAT | Yes |
| Subtract 20% of gross (£120) | £480 net (wrong) | No |
To remove 20% VAT from a gross price, divide by 1.20 — do not subtract 20% of the gross. Example: £600 ÷ 1.20 = £500 net and £100 VAT.
VAT tax refund calculator (tax-free shopping)
Non-resident shoppers may reclaim VAT on eligible purchases in many European countries. Refunds depend on minimum spend, product category, customs validation when you leave, and refund operator fees (often 15–20%). Our VAT refund calculator mode shows an illustrative estimate — not a guarantee from any operator.
Tax-free shopping checklist
At the shop: ask for tax-free paperwork if eligible; keep receipts showing gross spend in local currency.
In the calculator: enter that gross total, pick the country, and set a realistic operator commission (often 15–20%).
Before you leave: allow time for customs validation — without it, most operators will not pay a refund.
Why is my estimated refund zero?
Common reasons: spend is below the country minimum, the product type is excluded, or commission and fees consume the embedded VAT. Raise the spend amount or check another country in the comparison table.
| Factor | Effect on your refund |
|---|---|
| Country VAT rate | Higher standard rate → more embedded VAT on the same gross spend |
| Minimum purchase | Below threshold → no illustrative refund in this tool |
| Operator commission | Typical 15–20% fee reduces payout; adjust the slider |
| Product type | Some goods (e.g. services, used items) may be excluded — not modeled here |
| Customs stamp | Required for many schemes; without it, operators do not pay out |
Example: €1,200 gross in Germany at 19% VAT and 20% operator commission → about €191.60 embedded VAT and about €153.28 illustrative refund (check in Tax-free refund mode). Illustrative only — not a quote from any refund company.
VAT vs US sales tax
If you searched for a VAT tax calculator but you shop in the United States, you probably need sales tax instead. VAT applies in the UK and EU; US tax is set by state and city and is usually added at checkout.
VAT (UK / EU)
Often shown including VAT on shelf prices.
One national framework with standard, reduced, and zero rates.
Tax-free shopping refunds may apply for non-residents on eligible goods.
US sales tax
Usually added at checkout; rates vary by state and city.
No EU-style VAT refund for tourists.
Use our sales tax calculator for US math.
VAT on invoices
UK VAT invoices normally show net, VAT rate, VAT amount, and gross per line or in the summary. Tick Show invoice line snippet in the calculator for copy-ready wording after you run the numbers.
This VAT calculator
Single amount, one rate, instant net/VAT/gross split, CSV/PDF export.
Invoice generator
Full layout with customer, line items, and totals — invoice generator.
VAT formula
The same formulas work for any positive rate. Replace 1.20 with 1.05 for 5% or 1.23 for Ireland’s 23% standard rate.
Add VAT: Gross = Net × (1 + rate ÷ 100)
Remove VAT: Net = Gross ÷ (1 + rate ÷ 100)
VAT amount: Gross − Net
Refund estimate: Embedded VAT = Gross − Gross ÷ (1 + rate ÷ 100); estimated refund ≈ Embedded VAT × (1 − commission ÷ 100).
Accuracy and limitations
Rate presets follow 2026 published standard, reduced, and zero rates for the regions in the dropdown. Refund estimates use illustrative minimum spend and standard VAT by country — check local rules before you travel.
This is not tax advice. We do not cover the UK flat rate scheme, margin scheme, OSS, reverse charge, or live operator fee tables. Treat refund results as rough maths, not a payout promise.
Official references: GOV.UK VAT rates · EU VAT overview
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Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate VAT?
Multiply the net (ex-VAT) amount by 1 + VAT rate. At 20%, £500 × 1.20 = £600 gross (£100 VAT). Use Add VAT mode in the calculator.
How do I work out VAT at 20%?
From a net price, multiply by 1.20 (or add 20% of the net). From a gross price, divide by 1.20 — the VAT is gross minus net. Pick Add VAT or Remove VAT above to match what you know.
How much VAT is on £1,000?
On £1,000 net at 20%, VAT is £200 and the gross is £1,200. If £1,000 is gross, the net is £833.33 and VAT is £166.67 (÷ 1.20).
What is a VAT tax calculator?
A VAT tax calculator works out value-added tax on UK or EU prices. In the US, the similar idea is sales tax at state and local rates. Use this page for VAT; for US checkout tax, use our sales tax calculator.
Do US citizens pay VAT?
Yes — VAT is charged on purchases in the UK and EU like any other buyer. Non-residents may qualify for a tax-free refund on eligible goods when leaving, subject to rules and fees. VAT is not the same as filing US income tax.
How do I remove VAT from a gross price?
Divide the VAT-inclusive total by 1 + rate. At 20%, £600 ÷ 1.20 = £500 net and £100 VAT. Select Remove VAT — do not subtract 20% of the gross (£120 off £600 is wrong).
What is a reverse VAT calculator?
A reverse VAT calculator (or remove VAT calculator) starts from a gross price and finds the net and VAT parts. Use Remove VAT mode on this page.
What does VAT inclusive mean?
VAT inclusive (or gross) means the price includes VAT. VAT exclusive (net) is before VAT. UK shop prices are usually VAT inclusive — use Remove VAT to find the net and VAT parts.
How do I calculate 20% VAT on a price?
Net → gross: multiply by 1.20 (or add 20% of the net). Gross → net: divide by 1.20. Select United Kingdom and 20% in the calculator — Add VAT or Remove VAT depending on which figure you start with.
What is the UK VAT rate in 2026?
The standard UK VAT rate is 20%. Reduced 5% and zero 0% rates apply to specific goods and services. Confirm your supply on GOV.UK.
What is the UK VAT registration threshold?
UK businesses usually must register for VAT when taxable turnover goes over £90,000 in a rolling 12-month period. Confirm the current threshold on GOV.UK. This calculator does not tell you whether you must register.
What is the VAT rate in Ireland?
The Irish standard VAT rate is 23% (2026). Choose Ireland in the region dropdown to add or remove VAT in euros. Reduced rates apply to specific goods — check Revenue guidance if you are unsure.
Is VAT the same as US sales tax?
No. VAT is common in the UK/EU; US sales tax varies by state and city. Use our sales tax calculator for US math.
What is a VAT refund calculator?
A VAT refund calculator estimates how much VAT you might get back on tax-free shopping after minimum spend rules and operator commission. Open Tax-free refund on this page — results are illustrative, not a promise from any refund company.
How do I calculate my VAT refund when shopping abroad?
Enter your gross (VAT-inclusive) spend, choose the country, and set operator commission. The tool works out embedded VAT and an estimated refund. You still need eligible goods, paperwork, and customs validation in real life.
How much VAT refund can I get?
It depends on country VAT rate, minimum purchase, product type, and operator fees. Higher VAT countries (e.g. Germany, France) often show larger embedded VAT on the same spend.
How do I get a VAT refund at the airport?
You usually need tax-free forms from the retailer, eligible goods, and customs validation when leaving the EU/UK. Processing and payout are handled by refund companies — allow time before your flight. This page only estimates maths, not queue or payout timing.
Can Americans get a VAT tax refund?
Often yes, if you live outside the EU or UK and take eligible unused goods home — but rules, minimum spend, and fees vary by country. Use Tax-free refund mode for an estimate only; check the retailer and refund operator before you buy.
What is the difference between zero-rated and VAT exempt?
Zero-rated supplies are in the VAT system at 0%; businesses may reclaim input VAT. Exempt supplies are outside VAT, so input VAT usually cannot be reclaimed.
What is the difference between gross and net?
Net is before VAT; gross includes VAT. Example: £100 net + 20% VAT = £120 gross.
Why is subtracting 20% from a gross price wrong?
20% of gross is not the VAT component. VAT is charged on the net, so at 20% the VAT share is one sixth of gross — use ÷ 1.20 instead.
Does this calculator include German Mehrwertsteuer?
This EN tool covers UK/EU shopping and rate presets including Germany (19%). For DACH-focused MwSt copy in German, see our Mehrwertsteuer-Rechner (DE).
Can I export VAT calculations?
Yes — download CSV or PDF from the calculator after your calculation. No account required.
Is this VAT calculator tax advice?
No. Results are for general guidance only. For your situation, check HMRC, your local tax authority, or a qualified adviser.