VAT calculator

By The PocketSums team. Updated 30 September 2026. How we calculate

Add VAT to a price or remove it, at 20%, 5% or 0%.

Standard rate
20%
Reduced rate
5%
Registration threshold
£90,000
VAT inside £120
£20.00
  • HMRC 2026/27 rates
  • Private: nothing leaves your device
  • Free, no sign-up

Total with VAT£120.00

Net (before VAT) £100.00
VAT £20.00
Gross (with VAT) £120.00

20% VAT on common amounts

Net VAT at 20% Gross VAT inside that amount
£10.00 £2.00 £12.00 £1.67
£50.00 £10.00 £60.00 £8.33
£100.00 £20.00 £120.00 £16.67
£250.00 £50.00 £300.00 £41.67
£500.00 £100.00 £600.00 £83.33
£1,000.00 £200.00 £1,200.00 £166.67
£5,000.00 £1,000.00 £6,000.00 £833.33

The last column is the VAT already included if the amount is a gross price, the figure you need when claiming VAT back from a receipt.

A calculator, glasses and coins on a desk

VAT rates at a glance

  • 20% standard: most goods and services.
  • 5% reduced: home energy, children's car seats.
  • 0% zero rated: most food, books, children's clothes.
  • Exempt: insurance, most education and health care.

Questions people ask

How do I add 20% VAT?

Multiply the price by 1.2. £100 plus VAT is £120.

How do I remove VAT from a price?

Divide the price by 1.2 for the standard rate. £120 including VAT is £100 before VAT, and the VAT is £20. Taking 20% off £120 gives £96, which is wrong.

What is the VAT registration threshold?

A business must register for VAT when its taxable turnover goes over £90,000 in any 12 month period.

What has 5% or 0% VAT?

Home energy and children's car seats are 5%. Most food, children's clothes, books and newspapers are 0%.