Skip to main content

Add or strip VAT

VAT Calculator: Add or Remove VAT with Precision

This calculator adds VAT to a net price or removes it from a gross price using multiply-or-divide formulas (not percentage subtraction), with optional reverse-charge display and a global rates reference table. Everything runs locally in your browser.

By Jeff Beem

Updated

01

Calculation direction

Add VAT to net price

02

Amount

$
03

VAT rate

%
04

Business options

VAT calculation results
$1200.00

Gross total (incl. VAT)

Net (excl. VAT)
$1000.00
VAT (20.00%)
$200.00
Gross (incl. VAT)
$1200.00

Business VAT context

Input VAT: VAT on purchases (often reclaimable)

Output VAT: VAT on sales (owed to the tax authority)

Net liability: Output VAT − input VAT

Global VAT rates reference

Standard VAT rates for major countries and regions

CountryVAT rateNote
United Kingdom20.0%Standard rate
Germany19.0%Standard rate
France20.0%Standard rate
Spain21.0%Standard rate
Italy22.0%Standard rate
Netherlands21.0%Standard rate
Belgium21.0%Standard rate
Austria20.0%Standard rate
Portugal23.0%Standard rate
Ireland23.0%Standard rate
Poland23.0%Standard rate
Luxembourg16.0%Lowest EU rate
Hungary27.0%Highest EU rate
United Arab Emirates5.0%Standard rate
Sweden25.0%Standard rate
Denmark25.0%Standard rate
Norway25.0%Standard rate
Switzerland7.7%Standard rate
Australia10.0%GST
New Zealand15.0%GST
Canada5.0%GST (varies by province)
Singapore9.0%GST (from 2024)
Japan10.0%Consumption tax
South Korea10.0%VAT
India18.0%GST (varies by category)
Brazil17.0%ICMS (varies by state)
South Africa15.0%VAT
Mexico16.0%IVA
Argentina21.0%IVA

Rates shown are reference standard rates. Many countries have reduced rates; verify with local authorities.

Global context

EU standard rates cluster around the low 20% range; Luxembourg and Hungary sit near the low and high ends of that band for standard rates.

Precision

Amounts round to two decimal places, as many tax authorities require for returns and invoicing.

Reverse charge

In B2B and some cross-border services, responsibility shifts to the buyer to account for VAT in their own return.

Reading the VAT results panel

Choose Add VAT or Remove VAT, enter an amount and rate on the left, and the results panel on the right shows net, VAT, and gross with two decimal places.

Worked examples at the defaults

Add VAT (default)

Mode Add VAT, net $1,000, rate 20% → VAT $200.00, gross $1,200.00. The large headline shows the gross total.

Remove VAT

Switch to Remove VAT, enter gross $1,200 at 20% → net $1,000.00, VAT $200.00. The amber note reminds you to divide by 1.2, not subtract 20%.

Reverse charge (B2B)

With Reverse charge checked, net and gross both equal the entered amount; VAT is shown separately as the self-accounted amount (e.g. $200 on $1,000 at 20%).

Global rates table

Use the reference table under the calculator to look up a standard rate, then type that percentage in VAT rate (%). The table does not change the rate field for you.

VAT Calculator: Add or Remove VAT with Precision

This calculator adds VAT to a net price or removes it from a gross price using the correct multiply-or-divide formulas, with optional reverse-charge display and a global rates reference table. Everything runs locally in your browser.

What This Calculator Does

This VAT calculator computes net, VAT amount, and gross from one price and one rate. Modes: Add VAT (net → gross) or Remove VAT (gross → net). Optional Reverse charge (B2B) keeps net equal to gross and shows the VAT the buyer would self-account for. A Global VAT rates reference table lists standard rates for major countries (lookup only — you enter the rate manually). Amounts display with two decimal places. It does not file returns or connect to tax systems. Not tax advice — confirm rates and rules with your authority.

How the Math Works

Forward (add VAT):
  • Add VAT:
    Gross=Net×(1+r100)\text{Gross} = \text{Net} \times \left(1 + \frac{r}{100}\right)
  • Remove VAT:
    Net=Gross1+r/100\text{Net} = \frac{\text{Gross}}{1 + r/100}
  • VAT amount:
    Gross − Net in both directions.
  • Example (20%):
    Add: $100 → $120. Remove: $120 ÷ 1.2 = $100. Subtracting 20% of $120 gives $96 — incorrect.

How to Use This Calculator

Control reference:
  • Calculation direction:
    Add VAT or Remove VAT segmented control.
  • Amount:
    Net (excl. VAT) in Add mode; gross (incl. VAT) in Remove mode.
  • VAT rate (%):
    Manual entry; use the global table for reference only.
  • Reverse charge:
    Optional checkbox with explainer when enabled.
  • Results:
    Net, VAT, and gross; headline shows gross (Add) or net (Remove).

Reverse Charge and Common Mistakes

Reverse charge shifts reporting to the buyer — common in some B2B and cross-border services. The seller invoice total may exclude VAT even though VAT must still appear on the buyer’s return. The most frequent error when removing VAT is treating it like a simple percentage discount; always divide by (1 + rate).

Global Rates and Reduced Categories

Standard rates differ by country (for example UK and France at 20%, Germany at 19%, Hungary at 27%). Many jurisdictions also apply reduced or zero rates to specific goods — this tool accepts any percentage you enter. Verify current rates and product categories with HMRC, EU member-state guidance, or your local authority before invoicing.

FAQ

How do you remove VAT from a gross price?

Divide the gross (VAT-inclusive) amount by 1 + (rate ÷ 100). At 20%, divide by 1.2: $120 ÷ 1.2 = $100 net. Subtracting 20% of $120 ($24) is wrong — that yields $96, not $100.

How do I add VAT to a net price?

Multiply the net amount by (1 + rate ÷ 100), or find VAT as net × rate ÷ 100 and add it. Example at 20%: $100 × 1.2 = $120 gross (VAT $20).

What is reverse charge VAT?

The seller does not add VAT to the invoice total; the buyer self-accounts for VAT in their return. In this calculator, check Reverse charge (B2B) — net and gross stay equal, and the panel shows the VAT amount the buyer would report.

Does the country table set my VAT rate automatically?

No. The Global VAT rates reference table below the calculator is for lookup only. Enter the percentage manually in VAT rate (%) after you confirm the correct rate with your tax authority.

What is the difference between input VAT and output VAT?

Input VAT is VAT you pay on purchases (often reclaimable). Output VAT is VAT you charge on sales (owed to the authority). Net liability is output minus input. The Business VAT context panel in the results column summarizes this.

How are amounts rounded?

Net, VAT, and gross display with two decimal places, matching common invoicing and return formats. Confirm rounding rules with your jurisdiction if line-item VAT is calculated separately.

Can I use any VAT rate?

Yes. Enter any percentage manually — standard, reduced, or custom. Reference standard rates for major countries appear in the table on this page; reduced and zero rates still require your own entry.

Sources & citations

References used for the calculation method and definitions. Links open in a new tab when available.

[1]
EU Council Directive 2006/112/EC: The Common System of Value Added Tax

Principal EU VAT directive: common framework for rates, exemptions, and calculation rules.

[2]
HMRC: VAT Rates

UK standard (20%), reduced (5%), and zero-rated categories; registration guidance.

Financial Estimation Note

General Projections: Results are mathematical estimates based on the rates and formulas currently loaded for this tool, including year-specific tax data where noted. They are intended for high-level planning only.

No Advice Provided: This site does not provide financial, tax, or legal advice. Using this tool does not create a client-advisor relationship with CalcRegistry.

Confirm Numbers: Financial laws change frequently. Please verify all results with a qualified professional (CPA, Financial Planner, or Lawyer) before making significant financial decisions.

© 2026 CalcRegistry Reference Last Formula Sync: July 2026Free Online Utility Tools