Free Tool

UK VAT Calculator

Add VAT to a net price or take it out of a gross price at the standard, reduced or zero rate.

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How UK VAT Works

The standard rate of UK VAT is 20%. A reduced rate of 5% applies to a few goods and services such as domestic fuel and power, and a zero rate applies to items like most food and children’s clothing. Zero-rated sales are still reported on your VAT return.

Adding VAT to a Net Price

VAT = Net × rate
Gross = Net × (1 + rate)

Example: £1,000 net at 20% → VAT £200 → Gross £1,200

Removing VAT from a Gross Price

Net = Gross ÷ (1 + rate)
VAT = Gross − Net

Example: £1,200 gross at 20% → Net £1,000 → VAT £200

To remove 20% VAT you divide by 1.2 — not subtract 20%, which is a very common mistake.

VAT Registration in the UK

You must register for VAT if your taxable turnover goes over £90,000 in a rolling 12 months (the threshold from 1 April 2024). You can also register voluntarily below it. VAT-registered businesses must follow Making Tax Digital: keep digital records and file returns through MTD-compatible software.

MTD-ready VAT data from your own ledger

ETaxFlow posts every sale and bill to your VAT return automatically.

See UK VAT software →

Frequently Asked Questions

The standard rate is 20%. A reduced rate of 5% and a zero rate of 0% apply to specific goods and services.

Divide the gross price by 1.2 to get the net price at 20% VAT, then subtract the net from the gross to find the VAT. Do not simply subtract 20%.

When your taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in any rolling 12-month period, or you expect it to in the next 30 days. You can register voluntarily below the threshold.

Yes. Zero-rated sales are taxable at 0% and are reported on the return, unlike exempt supplies, which sit outside the VAT calculation.

No. It is a quick calculator. ETaxFlow generates MTD-compatible VAT return data from your accounting records for submission through compatible software.

UK Guides & Resources

Go deeper on the rules behind the numbers

Guide
Making Tax Digital for VAT
Digital records, returns, deadlines and penalty points.
Product
MTD VAT Accounting Software
VAT return data built from your ledger.
Tool
UK Corporation Tax Calculator
19%, 25% and marginal relief.