VAT / Sales Tax Calculator
Add VAT to a price or strip it out from a VAT-inclusive amount. Works for any rate - UK VAT at 20%, Australian GST at 10%, EU VAT, Canadian HST, or whatever rate applies to you.
How to use
- Pick Add VAT if you have the base price, or Remove VAT if you have the total and want the pre-tax amount.
- Enter the amount.
- Type in the rate or hit one of the quick buttons for common rates.
- The breakdown - base price, tax amount, and total - shows up instantly.
Related tools:
VAT (Value Added Tax) and sales tax are consumption taxes applied at different stages of production and sale. In the UK, the standard VAT rate is 20% (reduced rate 5%). EU countries range from 17–27%. Australia's GST is 10%. Canada's HST varies by province (5–15%). The US has no federal VAT; sales tax is state-level, ranging from 0–10%.
This calculator works in both directions: add VAT to a net price (ex-VAT) to get the gross price a customer pays, or extract VAT from a gross price to find the original net amount. A common mistake is calculating VAT on the gross price instead of the net. Always divide by (1 + rate) to reverse VAT, not multiply by the rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between VAT and sales tax?
VAT is collected at every stage of the supply chain (manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer), with each stage reclaiming the VAT they paid. Sales tax (used in the US) is only applied at the final point of sale to the consumer. The end consumer pays the same amount either way, but the collection mechanism differs.
How do I remove VAT from a price?
Divide the VAT-inclusive price by (1 + VAT rate). For 20% VAT: base price = total ÷ 1.20. A common error is multiplying the total by 20%, which gives a different (wrong) answer.
Is VAT the same as GST?
They are similar concepts. Both are consumption taxes collected at multiple stages. Australia, Canada, India, Singapore, and New Zealand call it GST. The UK, EU, and most other countries call it VAT. The mechanics are largely the same.
What VAT rate should I use for my country?
UK: 20% standard, 5% reduced. EU: 19–27% depending on country (Germany 19%, France 20%, Ireland 23%). Australia: 10%. Canada: 5% GST federal + provincial. Singapore: 9%. UAE: 5%. Use the quick rate buttons or enter your country's rate manually.
Disclaimer: Results are estimates for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial, tax, or investment advice. Figures may vary based on actual terms. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making financial decisions.