Value-added tax is built into prices across the UK and the European Union, so you often need to work in both directions: add VAT to a net price for an invoice, or strip it out of a shop price to see the real cost. This calculator does both, using the standard and reduced rates published by GOV.UK and the European Commission for all 27 EU member states, plus a custom rate for anything else.
How to use the VAT calculator
- Choose Add VAT to go from a net price to a gross price, or Remove VAT to split a VAT-inclusive price.
- Enter the amount.
- Pick the country. The list shows each country’s standard rate and its other rates.
- Choose the rate: standard, one of the reduced rates, or a custom rate.
- The tables show the same amount at every rate in that country, and at every country’s standard rate.
VAT formulas
The VAT share of a gross price is Rate ÷ (100 + Rate): one-sixth at 20%, 19/119 at 19%, 21/121 at 21%. That is why removing 20% VAT is not the same as taking 20% off.
Worked examples
UK, add VAT: £100 net × 20% = £20 VAT → £120.00 gross
Germany, remove VAT: €119 ÷ 1.19 = €100.00 net; VAT = €19.00 (15.97% of the gross)
Poland, add VAT: 1,000 zł × 23% = 230 zł → 1,230 zł gross
VAT rates in the UK and EU
| Country | Standard | Other rates |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 20% | 5%, 0% |
| Germany | 19% | 7% |
| France | 20% | 10%, 5.5%, 2.1% |
| Italy | 22% | 10%, 5%, 4% |
| Spain | 21% | 10%, 4% |
| Netherlands | 21% | 9% |
| Ireland | 23% | 13.5%, 9% |
| Poland | 23% | 8%, 5% |
| Sweden | 25% | 12%, 6% |
| Finland | 25.5% | 13.5%, 10% |
| Hungary | 27% | 18%, 5% |
| Luxembourg | 17% | 14%, 8%, 3% |
All 27 member states are in the calculator. Rates come from the European Commission’s Your Europe table (last checked by the Commission in July 2026) and GOV.UK. Countries sometimes change rates mid-year — Estonia, Slovakia, Finland and Romania all raised their standard rates in 2024–2025 — so confirm the rate with the national tax authority before filing a return.
Which rate applies?
The rate depends on what is sold and, for cross-border sales, where the customer is. Reduced rates usually cover necessities such as food, books, medicines, public transport or accommodation, but the lists differ by country. Many financial, insurance, medical and education services are exempt, which is different from zero-rated: exempt supplies carry no VAT and the seller usually cannot reclaim input VAT. For business-to-business sales across EU borders, the reverse charge often applies, so the supplier charges no VAT at all.
For goods and services tax in Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand or Singapore, use the GST calculator. US sales tax works differently; see the sales tax calculator.
VAT rates shown were verified in October 2026 but can change. This calculator is for estimates only and is not tax advice; check with HMRC or your national tax authority for a specific transaction.
Frequently asked questions
How do I add VAT to a price?
Multiply the net price by 1 plus the VAT rate. At the UK standard rate of 20%, £100 becomes £100 × 1.20 = £120, of which £20 is VAT. At Germany's 19%, €100 becomes €119.
How do I remove VAT from a price?
Divide the gross price by 1 plus the rate — do not simply subtract the rate. £120 ÷ 1.20 = £100, so the VAT is £20. Subtracting 20% of £120 would wrongly give £96. At 20%, the VAT is always one-sixth of the gross price.
What are the UK VAT rates?
According to GOV.UK, the standard rate is 20% for most goods and services, a reduced rate of 5% applies to items such as home energy and children's car seats, and a zero rate applies to most food and children's clothes. Businesses must register once taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in 12 months.
Which EU country has the highest and lowest VAT?
Hungary's 27% is the highest standard rate in the EU, followed by Finland at 25.5% and Denmark, Croatia and Sweden at 25%. Luxembourg's 17% is the lowest. EU rules require a standard rate of at least 15%.
Is VAT the same as sales tax?
Both are taxes on consumption, but VAT is collected at every stage of production, with businesses reclaiming the VAT they paid on inputs, while US sales tax is charged only on the final retail sale. Prices in VAT countries are normally displayed with VAT included.