Practical Tools
Finance

VAT Calculator

Direction

Sets the rate on every line. Edit any line below for mixed-rate invoices.

Enter an amount and VAT rate to see the breakdown.

Most VAT calculators handle one number at a time. This one works the way a real invoice does: add several line items, set a different VAT rate on each (standard, reduced, or zero), and get the net, VAT, and gross totals broken down by rate band. Pick a country preset to fill the rate automatically, switch between adding VAT to net prices and removing VAT from gross totals, then export the breakdown as CSV or print it. Built for anyone preparing a quote, checking a supplier invoice, or pulling figures for a VAT return.

No signupRuns in your browserWorks offlineFormula explained belowGeneral information only
VAT rates vary by country and by type of goods or services. This tool uses the rate you enter and gives a simple estimate only. It is not tax advice. Verify the correct rate with your tax authority or accountant.

How to use this tool

  1. 1Choose the direction: 'Add VAT' to calculate VAT on top of net prices, or 'Remove VAT' to extract net and VAT from VAT-inclusive gross totals.
  2. 2Pick a country rate preset (UK 20%, Germany 19%, Ireland 23%, and more) to set the rate on every line, or choose Custom and type your own.
  3. 3Enter each line: an optional description, the amount, and the VAT rate. Edit a line's rate to handle mixed-rate invoices (for example 20% goods alongside 5% reduced-rate items).
  4. 4Use '+ Add line' for more items and 'Remove' to delete one. Empty or invalid lines are ignored in the totals.
  5. 5Read the totals and the VAT breakdown by rate, then click Download CSV or Print to save the worksheet.

Formula used

Add VAT: VAT amount = net x (rate / 100), gross = net + VAT amount. Remove VAT: net = gross / (1 + rate / 100), VAT amount = gross - net. Each line is calculated on its own rate, then grouped: the rate-band breakdown sums net, VAT, and gross for every distinct rate so the figures match how a VAT return reports them.

Example

Mixed-rate invoice with 20% and 5% items

In Add VAT mode, line 1 is 500 at 20% (VAT 100, gross 600) and line 2 is 200 at 5% (VAT 10, gross 210). The breakdown shows net 700, VAT 110, gross 810, split into a 20% band (net 500, VAT 100) and a 5% band (net 200, VAT 10) - exactly the subtotals a VAT return asks for.

Remove 20% VAT from a gross invoice total of 600

Switch to Remove VAT, enter 600 with a rate of 20. Net is 500.00 and VAT is 100.00. Add more gross lines to separate net from reclaimable VAT across a full supplier invoice in one pass.

Common use cases

  • Preparing a quote with mixed 20% and 5% items and showing the client a clean VAT breakdown
  • Splitting a supplier invoice into net and reclaimable input VAT by rate band
  • Pulling net and VAT subtotals per rate to enter on a quarterly VAT return
  • Checking how much VAT is included across a batch of receipts before recording them
  • Converting a whole price list between net and gross when a supplier changes terms
  • Exporting a VAT worksheet as CSV to attach to bookkeeping records

Common mistakes

  • Using 'Add VAT' on a price that already includes VAT - this applies VAT twice and overstates the total. Use 'Remove VAT' for VAT-inclusive prices.
  • Leaving every line on the standard rate when some items are reduced or zero-rated - food, children's clothing, books, and some medical products often have different rates.
  • Reading one combined VAT figure when your return needs subtotals per rate - use the rate-band breakdown, not just the grand total.
  • Confusing VAT with sales tax - VAT is collected at every stage of the supply chain and businesses can reclaim input VAT. The net/gross framing is specific to VAT.
  • Not checking whether a quoted price is net or gross before entering - always confirm whether the figure you have is VAT-inclusive or exclusive.

Frequently asked questions

How do I add VAT to a net price?

Multiply the net price by the VAT rate and divide by 100 to get the VAT amount, then add it to the net. For 20% VAT on 500, VAT is 100, and the gross is 600. Use 'Add VAT' mode and the calculator handles this.

How do I remove VAT from a gross price?

Divide the gross by 1 plus the rate as a decimal. For 20% VAT, divide by 1.20. A gross of 600 gives a net of 500 and VAT of 100. Use 'Remove VAT' mode.

What is the difference between net and gross?

Net is the price before VAT is added. Gross is the price including VAT. Business-to-business invoices often show both. Consumer prices are usually quoted gross (VAT included). This calculator converts between the two on every line.

Can I calculate VAT on an invoice with different rates?

Yes. Add a line for each item and set its own VAT rate, so you can mix standard, reduced, and zero-rated items in one invoice. The rate-band breakdown then sums the net and VAT for each distinct rate, which is the format a VAT return expects.

Can I export the VAT breakdown?

Yes. Click Download CSV to save a worksheet with every line, the rate-band summary, and the totals, or click Print for a paper or PDF copy. Everything runs in your browser, so nothing you enter is uploaded.

What VAT rate should I use?

VAT rates vary by country and product type. The UK standard rate is 20%, with a reduced rate of 5% for domestic fuel and some other items, and 0% for most food and children's clothing. Check with your local tax authority or accountant for the correct rate for your goods or services.

Is VAT the same as sales tax?

They are similar but work differently. Sales tax is only collected at the point of final sale. VAT is collected at each stage of the supply chain, but businesses can reclaim the VAT they paid on purchases (input tax). This calculator handles the VAT-specific net/gross calculation.

Is this result accurate for VAT returns?

The calculation is exact for the rate you enter. For VAT return purposes, always verify the rate applies to your specific goods or services and consult an accountant if unsure. This tool is for estimation only.

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