VAT Calculator
Add or remove UK VAT from a price. Standard 20%, reduced 5%, zero-rated 0%, or a custom rate. This is arithmetic, not tax advice.
How to use the VAT Calculator
- Choose Add VAT if you have a net price, or Remove VAT if the figure already includes VAT.
- Enter the price in pounds. Change Quantity if you are costing more than one item.
- Pick 20% standard, 5% reduced, 0% zero-rated, or a custom rate.
- Optionally click Calculate VAT; the net, VAT and gross also update as you type.
- Copy totals puts those three lines on the clipboard. Reset clears the form.
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What it is for
UK VAT is usually 20% of the net price. A reduced 5% rate applies to some goods and a 0% rate to others. Adding VAT is net × (rate ÷ 100). Removing VAT divides the gross by (1 + rate ÷ 100). This page does that arithmetic for a price and optional quantity.
It does not decide which rate a product should use, and it is not a VAT return. If you are unsure about a rate, check HMRC or an accountant. For a generic percent that is not VAT, use the Percentage Calculator. Mortgage and savings estimates live elsewhere in Calculators.
Add VAT vs remove VAT
Add VAT starts from a net price (ex-VAT) and shows the VAT amount and the gross (inc-VAT) total, multiplied by quantity when you set more than one. Remove VAT starts from a gross price and works backwards to net and VAT. That reverse step is not “subtract 20% of the gross”: a £120 price at 20% VAT is £100 net and £20 VAT.
Zero-rated (0%) still shows the structure of net / VAT / gross with VAT at zero. Custom rate is there when you need a figure that is not one of the three common UK presets. The labels still talk in pounds.
Why it runs in your browser
The figures stay in the tab. Catpool does not store the prices and you do not create an account. Close the page and the session is gone.
Tips
- Confirm the correct rate for the goods or services before you send a quote. The dropdown will not choose that for you.
- Use quantity when costing a line of identical items; otherwise leave it at 1.
- Copy totals into an email or spreadsheet when you need a quick record of net, VAT and gross.
- This is arithmetic for planning, not tax advice and not a substitute for your accounting software.
Common questions
Is 20% always correct?
It is the standard rate, not the only rate. Food, children’s clothes, energy and a few other categories can be reduced or zero-rated. The dropdown will not choose that for you.
Does Remove VAT just subtract 20% of the gross?
No. That would be wrong. A £120 price at 20% VAT is £100 net and £20 VAT, which is 20% of the net, not 20% of £120.
Can I use this for another country?
You can type a custom rate. The labels still say pounds. Check the rate that actually applies where you are selling.
Is this tax advice?
No. It is a calculator. For registration thresholds, returns and what rate applies, use HMRC guidance or an accountant.
Does quantity change the rate?
No. Quantity multiplies the line. The rate stays whatever you selected.
Are my prices stored?
No. Nothing is saved on Catpool. Reset or close the tab when you are done.
Related: Calculators, Percentage Calculator, Compound Interest Calculator.
