Reverse VAT Calculator UK

Remove VAT from a price, or add it. Standard 20%, reduced 5% and zero rate.

Standard 20%Reduced 5%Zero rate 0%2026 Rates
VAT rate
Net (before VAT)
£0.00
VAT
£0.00
Gross (with VAT)
£0.00

VAT rateRateVATTotal

Shows the amount at each UK VAT rate. In Remove VAT mode the amount you enter is the price including VAT.

UK VAT rates

UK VAT rates
Rate%Applies to (examples)
Standard20%Most goods and services
Reduced5%Some goods and services, for example children's car seats and home energy
Zero0%Zero-rated goods and services, for example most food and children's clothes
Exempt—For example postage stamps, and financial and property transactions

Source: GOV.UK — VAT rates. The VAT registration threshold is £90,000 of taxable turnover (GOV.UK).

How to remove VAT (reverse VAT)

If a price already includes VAT, divide by 1 plus the VAT rate to get the net price. The VAT is the difference.

// Formula Net price = Gross price ÷ (1 + VAT rate) VAT = Gross price − Net price // Examples — each comes back to £100.00 Standard 20% ... £120.00 ÷ 1.20 = £100.00 Reduced 5% ..... £105.00 ÷ 1.05 = £100.00 Zero 0% ........ £100.00 ÷ 1.00 = £100.00

Step by step — 20% VAT

  1. Step 1: Standard rate 20%, so the divisor is 1.2.
  2. Step 2: Net = gross ÷ 1.2. For £250: £250 ÷ 1.2 = £208.33.
  3. Step 3: VAT = £250 − £208.33 = £41.67.
  4. Check: £208.33 × 1.2 = £250.00 ✓

Common mistake: taking 20% off the gross price. £120 less 20% is £96, but the correct net price is £100. Divide by 1.2 instead.

Frequently asked questions

How do I take VAT off a price in the UK?
Divide the VAT-inclusive price by 1.2 for the standard 20% rate. For example, £120 ÷ 1.2 = £100.00 before VAT, so the VAT is £20.00.
What is the VAT fraction?
At 20%, the VAT in a price is one sixth of the gross amount (20 ÷ 120). At the 5% rate it is one twenty-first (5 ÷ 105). It is a quick check: £120 × 1/6 = £20.
What are the UK VAT rates?
GOV.UK lists a standard rate of 20% on most goods and services, a reduced rate of 5% (for example children's car seats and home energy) and a zero rate of 0% (for example most food and children's clothes). Some supplies are exempt, such as postage stamps and financial and property transactions.
What is the difference between zero-rated and exempt?
Zero-rated goods are VAT-taxable at 0%, so the seller can usually still reclaim VAT on costs. Exempt supplies are outside VAT, and the seller generally cannot reclaim related VAT.
When do I have to register for VAT?
You must register when your taxable turnover for the last 12 months goes over £90,000 (the VAT threshold), or you expect to go over it in the next 30 days. Check GOV.UK for the current threshold and rules.

Other countries

🇺🇸 US sales tax calculator🇨🇦 Canada GST/HST calculator

Rates last checked: October 2026. Source: GOV.UK. Not tax advice.

Legal information