UK VAT standard rate is 20%. To add VAT, multiply by 1.20; to extract VAT from an inclusive price, divide by 1.20. This calculator does both instantly with a clear pre-VAT / VAT / total breakdown.
£
Pre-VAT amount — we'll add 20%.
UK VAT standard rate is 20%. Reduced rate 5% applies to some items (domestic fuel, children's car seats). Zero rate 0% on most food, books, and children's clothing.
Total with VAT
£0
VAT component: £0
Base (pre-VAT)
£0
VAT (20%)
£0
Total
£0
UK VAT quick reference
Standard rate
20%
Reduced rate
5% (domestic fuel, children's car seats, some others)
Standard rate 20%. Reduced rate 5% on some items (domestic fuel, children's car seats). Zero rate 0% on most food, books, and children's clothing.
How do I add 20% VAT?
Multiply by 1.20. A £100 pre-VAT item becomes £120 inclusive. Use the "Add VAT" mode.
How do I remove VAT from a VAT-inclusive total?
Divide by 1.20. A £120 inclusive total has £100 base + £20 VAT. Equivalently: multiply by 1/6 to get the VAT component.
Do I need to register for VAT?
Compulsory if your annual taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 (FY 2025-26 threshold). Voluntary below that. Registered businesses charge VAT, file returns (typically quarterly), and reclaim input VAT.
Is everything VATable?
No. Some categories are zero-rated (food, books, children's clothing — no VAT charged, but you can still claim input VAT). Others are exempt (financial services, education, healthcare — no VAT, and you can't claim input VAT either).
Is the VAT rate going to change?
It hasn't changed since January 2011 (when it was raised from 17.5% to 20%). UK governments occasionally float VAT rate changes, but no change is currently scheduled.