Free VAT calculator
This free VAT calculator adds VAT to a price or takes it out of a total, at any rate, with presets for common countries and the working shown.
Rates change. The presets are standard rates as of September 2026, so check the rate for what you sell with your tax authority.
Use this tool free
Tell us who you are and the tool opens straight away, along with every other free tool and template on this device. We'll email you when we add new ones.
How to add or remove VAT
Multiply the price without VAT by 1 plus the rate.
Divide the total by 1 plus the rate. Never just take the rate off the total.
Show the price, the VAT and the total on separate lines, with your VAT number.
The maths
VAT = net × rate %gross = net × (1 + rate %)net = gross ÷ (1 + rate %)VAT in a gross amount = gross − net
| Rate | To add VAT | To remove VAT | Share of a gross price that is VAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5% | × 1.05 | ÷ 1.05 | 4.76% |
| 7.5% | × 1.075 | ÷ 1.075 | 6.98% |
| 15% | × 1.15 | ÷ 1.15 | 13.04% |
| 16% | × 1.16 | ÷ 1.16 | 13.79% |
| 19% | × 1.19 | ÷ 1.19 | 15.97% |
| 20% | × 1.2 | ÷ 1.2 | 16.67% |
| 23% | × 1.23 | ÷ 1.23 | 18.7% |
How to use this free VAT calculator
Choose Add VAT when you have a price without VAT and want the total, for example when you are writing a quote. Choose Remove VAT when you have a total that already includes VAT and want to know how much of it is tax, for example when you are checking a supplier's receipt. Pick a country preset or type any rate, and the VAT calculator shows the net amount, the VAT and the total with the working.
Worked examples
- Adding VAT in the UK: a 450 website design at 20% is 450 × 1.2 = 540. The VAT is 90.
- Adding VAT in Nigeria: a 200,000 consulting fee at 7.5% is 200,000 × 1.075 = 215,000. The VAT is 15,000.
- Removing VAT in South Africa: a 1,150 total at 15% is 1,150 ÷ 1.15 = 1,000 without VAT, so the VAT is 150.
Common VAT mistakes
- Taking the rate off the total. 20% of a VAT-inclusive 120 is 24, but the VAT in it is 20. Divide by 1.2 instead.
- Quoting without saying whether VAT is included. Always write "plus VAT" or "including VAT" on quotes and price lists, so there is no argument later.
- Rounding each line differently. Work out VAT on the invoice total, or round every line the same way, so the numbers add up.
- Charging VAT when you're not registered. Only VAT-registered businesses should add VAT to their invoices.
Need to put the result on an invoice? The free invoice generator and receipt generator both add tax on its own line. In startbuddi, you set a default tax rate and label (such as "VAT") once in your invoice settings, and each invoice or estimate shows the tax on its own line. See invoicing in startbuddi.
Questions
How do I add VAT to a price?
Multiply the price without VAT by 1 plus the rate. At 20%, multiply by 1.2: 100 becomes 120. At 7.5%, multiply by 1.075: 100 becomes 107.50.
How do I work out the VAT in a price that already includes it?
Divide the total by 1 plus the rate to get the price without VAT, then take that away from the total. At 20%, 120 ÷ 1.2 = 100, so the VAT is 20.
Why can't I just take 20% off the total?
Because the VAT was added to the smaller, pre-VAT price. 20% of 120 is 24, but the VAT in 120 is only 20. To remove VAT, always divide by 1 plus the rate.
Which VAT rate should I use?
It depends on where you trade and what you sell. Most services use the standard rate, but some goods and services have a reduced or zero rate. The presets show standard rates as of September 2026: confirm the rate with your tax authority or accountant.
Do I have to charge VAT?
Only if you are registered for VAT or required to be, which usually depends on your turnover and your country's threshold. If you are not registered, don't add VAT to your invoices.
Is VAT the same as sales tax or GST?
They work in a similar way for the maths: a percentage added to the price. You can use this calculator for GST or sales tax too, by entering the rate yourself.
Quote, invoice and get paid from one place.
In startbuddi, your quotes, invoices and client records sit together, so you can see who has paid and who needs a nudge.
