Illustrative estimate. Check the rate and scheme eligibility for your transaction. No amounts are sent by this calculator.
How to remove VAT from a total
Enter the amount already paid or quoted including VAT. Select the rate shown on the invoice. Remove VAT is selected by default. Read the net price, included VAT and unchanged gross total together, then compare them with the supplier document.
Why subtracting 20% is wrong
A £120 gross price contains £20 VAT at 20%, because the tax was charged on £100. Subtracting 20% of £120 gives £96, which is not the original net amount. The percentage has a different base. Divide by 1.20 instead.
Reverse VAT formula
Net = gross ÷ (1 + rate ÷ 100). Included VAT = gross − net. At 20%, the VAT fraction is 20/120, or one sixth of gross. At 5%, the VAT fraction is 5/105, or one twenty-first. For £84 including 5%, net is £80 and VAT is £4.
Can I use this to reclaim VAT?
The calculation only separates a price. It is not evidence of a right to reclaim VAT. Use the correct invoice, business-use information and reclaim rules. For a mixed-rate purchase, calculate each line separately rather than assigning one rate to the whole receipt.
One price. Three parts.
Move the rate slider to see how VAT changes a £100 net price.
£100 + £20 VAT = £120 total
This slider explains the arithmetic. It does not determine the legal rate for your sale.
Quick answer
Can I use the result without saving an account?
Yes. Calculations run in your browser. Copy the figures into your own records; refreshing the page resets the inputs.
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Official sources
Sources checked: 2026-09-26. Check the official guidance for later changes.
Educational information and estimates. These tools do not submit VAT returns or determine the treatment of a specific transaction.