How to use it
- Choose Add VAT if your amount is without VAT, or Remove VAT if it already includes VAT.
- Enter the amount.
- Tap a country’s standard rate or type any rate, for example a reduced rate.
- Read the net amount, the VAT and the gross amount.
Formulas
| Task | Formula | Example at 20% |
|---|---|---|
| Add VAT | VAT = net × rate; gross = net × (1 + rate) | 100 → VAT 20, gross 120 |
| Remove VAT | net = gross ÷ (1 + rate); VAT = gross − net | 120 → net 100, VAT 20 |
The VAT share of a gross price at 20% is 20 ÷ 120 = 1/6. Results are rounded to two decimals only for display.
Worked example
An invoice for services is 850 before VAT. At the UK standard rate, VAT is 850 × 0.20 = 170 and the total is 1,020. Going the other way, a receipt for 1,020 including VAT contains 1,020 − 1,020 ÷ 1.2 = 170 of VAT.
Standard rates in the presets
Checked on 3 November 2026. Only the standard rate is listed; reduced and zero rates, and regional rates such as the Canary Islands or Madeira, are not.
| Country | Standard rate | Source |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 20% | GOV.UK: VAT rates |
| Germany | 19% | European Commission, Taxes in Europe Database |
| France, Austria | 20% | same |
| Spain, Netherlands, Belgium | 21% | same |
| Italy | 22% | same |
| Ireland, Portugal, Poland | 23% | same |
| Sweden, Denmark | 25% | same |
| Finland | 25.5% | same |
| Russia | 22% (from 1 January 2026) | Federal Tax Service of Russia |
| Mexico | 16% | SAT |
| Argentina | 21% | ARCA |
| Chile, Colombia | 19% | SII, DIAN |
Common mistakes
- Taking the rate off a gross price. 20% of 120 is 24, but the VAT inside 120 is only 20.
- Using the standard rate for everything. Food, books, transport and energy often have reduced rates.
- Rounding too early. Round the final amounts, not each step.
The calculator helps with everyday sums; for tax returns follow your tax authority’s rules or ask an accountant.