VAT Calculator UK 2026
Add VAT to a price or remove it from a VAT-inclusive total, at 20%, 5% or any rate, with the VAT shown line by line.
2026/27 rates · verified 11 October 2026
VAT rates in the UK
| Rate | VAT | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 20% | Most goods and services |
| Reduced | 5% | Some goods and services, e.g. children's car seats and home energy |
| Zero | 0% | Zero-rated goods and services, e.g. most food and children's clothes |
| Exempt | No VAT | e.g. postage stamps, financial and property transactions |
How to add and remove VAT
Adding VAT
Price with VAT = price × 1.2. £250 × 1.2 = £300.
Removing VAT
Price without VAT = total ÷ 1.2. £300 ÷ 1.2 = £250, so the VAT was £50. A quick check: VAT is 1/6 of a 20% VAT-inclusive price.
VAT at 20% on common amounts
| Amount | VAT to add | Price with VAT | Ex-VAT if amount includes VAT | VAT included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £10.00 | £2.00 | £12.00 | £8.33 | £1.67 |
| £20.00 | £4.00 | £24.00 | £16.67 | £3.33 |
| £50.00 | £10.00 | £60.00 | £41.67 | £8.33 |
| £100.00 | £20.00 | £120.00 | £83.33 | £16.67 |
| £250.00 | £50.00 | £300.00 | £208.33 | £41.67 |
| £500.00 | £100.00 | £600.00 | £416.67 | £83.33 |
| £1,000.00 | £200.00 | £1,200.00 | £833.33 | £166.67 |
| £5,000.00 | £1,000.00 | £6,000.00 | £4,166.67 | £833.33 |
VAT registration
You must register for VAT if your taxable turnover for the last 12 months goes over £90,000, or you expect it to in the next 30 days. Once registered you charge VAT on your sales and can usually reclaim VAT on business purchases.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate VAT at 20%?
Multiply the price before VAT by 1.2. For example, £100 × 1.2 = £120, so the VAT is £20.
How do I remove VAT from a price?
Divide the VAT-inclusive price by 1.2. For example, £120 ÷ 1.2 = £100, so the VAT included is £20. Don't take 20% off the total: that gives £96, which is wrong.
What items have 5% or 0% VAT?
Some items, such as children's car seats and home energy, are charged at the 5% reduced rate. Most food and children's clothes are zero-rated (0%). Some things, like postage stamps and financial and property transactions, are exempt.
When does a business have to register for VAT?
When its taxable turnover for the last 12 months goes over £90,000, or is expected to go over £90,000 in the next 30 days. Businesses below this can register voluntarily.
What fraction of a VAT-inclusive price is VAT?
At 20%, the VAT is one sixth (1/6) of the VAT-inclusive price. At 5%, it's 1/21.
Related calculators
All rates, thresholds and dates on this page come from official sources, including GOV.UK, HM Revenue and Customs, the Scottish Government, Revenue Scotland and the Welsh Government. Last verified 11 October 2026.