# VAT Calculator UK: Add or Remove 20% VAT | UK Money Calcs

Source: https://calcs.andreiturcea.com/vat.html
Last updated: 2026-10-15 · Last checked against GOV.UK: 2026-10-15


**Short answer:** UK VAT is 20% standard, 5% reduced and 0% zero-rated. To add 20% VAT multiply by 1.2; to remove it divide by 1.2 (so £120 gross is £100 net plus £20 VAT).

Last updated: 15 October 2026 · Last checked against GOV.UK: 15 October 2026 · [Markdown version](https://calcs.andreiturcea.com/vat.html.md)

**General information, not tax or financial advice.** Check GOV.UK or speak to a qualified adviser about your own situation.

**Keeping your own records?** The UK Sole Trader Kit is a £9 spreadsheet for Google Sheets and Excel: an income log, expenses mapped to SA103 boxes, a live 2026/27 tax and Class 4 NI estimate, and an invoice template. [See what is inside](https://kit.andreiturcea.com/) · [Get the kit (£9)](https://turceapaul.gumroad.com/l/bmykeg)

##

To take VAT out of a gross price at 20%, divide by 1.2. Don't just subtract 20%.

Checking whether you need to register? Use the [VAT threshold checker (£90,000)](https://calcs.andreiturcea.com/vat-threshold-checker.html). Source: [GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/vat-registration/when-to-register).

**Want this in a spreadsheet?** If you would rather not build your own tracker, the UK Sole Trader Kit (£9, Google Sheets and Excel) logs income, maps expenses to SA103 boxes, estimates your 2026/27 Income Tax and Class 4 NI, reminds you about payments on account and includes an invoice template. It is a template, not advice, and the free guides here stay free. [See what is inside](https://kit.andreiturcea.com/) · [Get the kit (£9)](https://turceapaul.gumroad.com/l/bmykeg)

## What is the formula, in plain text?

Add VAT: gross = net × (1 + rate). Remove VAT: net = gross ÷ (1 + rate); VAT = gross − net. At 20%, divide a VAT-inclusive price by 1.2 (do not subtract 20%).

## What rates and thresholds apply?

| Rate | Applies to |
|---|---|
| 20% standard | Most goods and services |
| 5% reduced | Some goods and services, e.g. home energy, children's car seats |
| 0% zero | Zero-rated goods, e.g. most food and children's clothes |

## What are some worked examples?

| Starting amount | Action | Net | VAT | Gross |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £100.00 | Add 20% | £100.00 | £20.00 | £120.00 |
| £120.00 | Remove 20% | £100.00 | £20.00 | £120.00 |
| £99.99 | Remove 20% | £83.33 | £16.67 | £99.99 |
| £200.00 | Add 5% | £200.00 | £10.00 | £210.00 |

VAT registration threshold: £90,000 taxable turnover over a rolling 12 months (see the VAT threshold checker).

GOV.UK sources (checked 15 October 2026): [https://www.gov.uk/vat-rates](https://www.gov.uk/vat-rates) · [https://www.gov.uk/vat-registration/when-to-register](https://www.gov.uk/vat-registration/when-to-register)

Machine-readable rates: [api/rates-2026-27.json](https://calcs.andreiturcea.com/api/rates-2026-27.json).

---
Disclaimer: estimates for information only, not financial, tax or legal advice.
