This is a simple UK VAT calculator. It can also be used as a reverse VAT calculator to calculate VAT-inclusive and VAT-exclusive prices.
Select the standard (20%) or reduced (5%) VAT rate, then enter any figure you know:
- VAT value – price including VAT and price excluding VAT will be calculated
- price including VAT – VAT value and price excluding VAT will be calculated
- price excluding VAT – VAT value and price including VAT will be calculated
What is the VAT rate in the UK?
The standard VAT rate in the UK is 20%. A reduced rate of 5% applies to certain goods and services. Zero-rated supplies are charged at 0%, including many food and children’s clothing supplies.
How to calculate UK VAT manually
The standard VAT rate (20%) is easy to calculate. Divide the VAT-exclusive amount by 5 to find the VAT amount.
VAT-exclusive value: £200
VAT amount: £200 / 5 = £40
To get the VAT-inclusive amount, multiply the VAT-exclusive amount by 1.2.
VAT-exclusive value: £50
VAT-inclusive amount: £50 * 1.2 = £60
Divide the VAT-inclusive amount by 6 to get the VAT amount.
VAT-inclusive value: £48
VAT value: £48 / 6 = £8
Divide the VAT-inclusive amount by 6, then multiply the result by 5 to get the VAT-exclusive amount.
VAT-inclusive value: £48
VAT value: £48 / 6 = £8
VAT-exclusive value: £8 * 5 = £40
UK VAT history
| Year | Standard rate | Reduced rate | Increased/other rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973, Apr 1 | 10% | — | — |
| 1974, Jul 29 | 8% | — | — |
| 1974, Nov 18 | 8% | — | Petrol 25% |
| 1976, Apr 12 | 8% | — | Petrol 12.5% |
| 1979, Jun 18 | 15% | — | — |
| 1991, Apr 1 | 17.5% | — | — |
| 1994, Apr 1 | 17.5% | 8% | — |
| 1997, Sep 1 | 17.5% | 5% | — |
| 2008, Dec 1 | 15% | 5% | — |
| 2010, Jan 1 | 17.5% | 5% | — |
| 2011, Jan 4 | 20% | 5% | — |
Data source: https://www.gov.uk/vat-rates, https://www.gov.uk/guidance/vat-guide-notice-700