The Quick Answer
VAT (Value Added Tax) is a consumption tax applied to goods and services in over 170 countries. It is collected at every stage of production, not just at the final sale.
- To add VAT: Net Price × (1 + VAT Rate ÷ 100) = Gross Price
- To remove VAT: Gross Price ÷ (1 + VAT Rate ÷ 100) = Net Price
How VAT Works
VAT is charged each time value is added to a product — from raw materials to manufacturing to retail. At each stage, the business charges VAT on what it sells (output VAT) and reclaims the VAT it paid on purchases (input VAT). Only the difference goes to the tax authority.
Here's a simplified chain for a product sold at 20% VAT:
| Stage | Sells For (net) | VAT Charged (20%) | VAT Paid on Inputs | VAT Owed to Government |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raw material supplier | €50 | €10 | €0 | €10 |
| Manufacturer | €120 | €24 | €10 | €14 |
| Retailer | €200 | €40 | €24 | €16 |
| Total VAT collected | €40 |
The consumer pays €240 (€200 + €40 VAT). The government collects €40 total, split across the chain. Each business only pays VAT on the value it added.
The Formulas
Adding VAT to a Net Price
VAT Amount = Net Price × (VAT Rate ÷ 100)
Gross Price = Net Price + VAT Amount
Example: A €500 item at 19% VAT (Germany's standard rate):
- VAT = €500 × 0.19 = €95
- Gross = €500 + €95 = €595
Removing VAT From a Gross Price
Net Price = Gross Price ÷ (1 + VAT Rate ÷ 100)
VAT Amount = Gross Price − Net Price
Example: A £360 price tag that includes 20% UK VAT:
- Net = £360 ÷ 1.20 = £300
- VAT = £360 − £300 = £60
The Most Common Mistake
Do not calculate "20% of the gross price" to find the VAT. That gives the wrong answer.
- ❌ Wrong: 20% of £360 = £72
- ✅ Correct: £360 ÷ 1.20 = £300 net → VAT is £60
VAT is a percentage of the net price, not the gross. When you see a gross price, you must divide — not subtract a percentage.
VAT Calculator
Add or remove VAT from any price with common European rates pre-loaded.
Open CalculatorVAT Rates Around the World
Standard VAT rates vary significantly:
- Highest in Europe: Hungary (27%), Denmark (25%), Sweden (25%)
- Mid-range: France (20%), UK (20%), Germany (19%)
- Lower rates: Switzerland (8.1%), Canada GST (5%)
- Asia-Pacific: Japan (10%), Australia GST (10%), New Zealand GST (15%)
Most countries also have reduced rates for essentials. Germany charges 7% on food and books instead of the standard 19%. The UK zero-rates most unprocessed food and children's clothing.
VAT-Inclusive vs VAT-Exclusive
These terms describe whether a quoted price already contains VAT:
- VAT-inclusive (gross): The price you see already includes tax. Most consumer retail prices in VAT countries are displayed this way. To find the net price, divide by (1 + rate).
- VAT-exclusive (net): The price does not include tax. Common in B2B invoicing. To find the total, multiply by (1 + rate).
If someone quotes you €1,000 "plus VAT" at 21%, the total is €1,000 × 1.21 = €1,210. If a shop tag says €1,210 "including VAT" at 21%, the net price is €1,210 ÷ 1.21 = €1,000.
How VAT Differs From Sales Tax
In the United States, most states charge sales tax instead of VAT. The key differences:
- Collection point: VAT is collected at every production stage. Sales tax is charged only at the final sale to the consumer.
- Price display: VAT is typically included in displayed prices. US sales tax is added at the register.
- Business recovery: Businesses reclaim VAT on their purchases (input tax credits). US sales tax is generally not recoverable.
- Rates: VAT rates are usually national and consistent. US sales tax rates vary by state, county, and city — there are over 11,000 tax jurisdictions.
For US sales tax calculations, see our Sales Tax Calculator.
Practical Tips
For consumers:
- When shopping in a VAT country, the price on the shelf is what you pay (VAT is already included).
- Tourist VAT refund schemes let non-residents reclaim VAT on purchases in many countries. Keep your receipts.
For freelancers and small businesses:
- Know your country's VAT registration threshold. Below it, you may not need to charge VAT.
- When quoting prices to other businesses, clarify whether your price is net or gross.
- Keep records of input VAT on business expenses — this reduces what you owe.
For invoicing:
- B2B invoices should show the net amount, the VAT rate, the VAT amount, and the gross total separately.
- Cross-border EU B2B sales may qualify for the reverse charge mechanism (0% VAT on the invoice; the buyer accounts for VAT in their own country).
Summary
| What you want | Formula | Example (20% VAT) |
|---|---|---|
| Add VAT to net price | Net × 1.20 | €100 → €120 |
| Find VAT amount from net | Net × 0.20 | €100 → €20 VAT |
| Remove VAT from gross | Gross ÷ 1.20 | €120 → €100 net |
| Find VAT amount from gross | Gross − (Gross ÷ 1.20) | €120 → €20 VAT |
VAT Calculator
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