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VAT Calculator

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Value-added tax (VAT) is added at each stage of sale in most of Europe and many other countries. Use this to add VAT to a net (pre-tax) price, or work backward from a gross (VAT-included) price to find the net amount and VAT portion.

VAT Calculator

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Gross price (VAT included)
$1,200.00
Net price
$1,000.00
VAT amount
$200.00
Standard rates shown are for reference — always confirm the current rate for your country and product category.

The VAT formulas

Adding VAT: Gross = Net × (1 + rate) Extracting VAT: Net = Gross ÷ (1 + rate)
Example

A net price of 1,000 at 20% VAT: VAT = 1,000 × 0.20 = 200, gross price = 1,200. Going the other way, a gross price of 1,200 at 20% VAT: net = 1,200 ÷ 1.20 = 1,000, confirming the VAT portion is 200.

Step-by-step guide

  1. Choose your direction — adding VAT to a net price, or extracting VAT from a gross price you already have.
  2. Enter the amount.
  3. Select a VAT rate from the common list, or choose "Custom rate" to enter your own.
  4. Read the net price, VAT amount, and gross price.

Common mistakes

Multiplying a gross (VAT-included) price by the rate directly to "extract" VAT — this overstates the VAT amount. You need to divide by (1 + rate) first, not multiply the gross by the rate.
Using a country's standard rate for every product — many countries apply reduced VAT rates to specific categories like food, books, or children's items.

Frequently asked questions

Is VAT the same as sales tax?

They're similar in effect but structured differently — VAT is collected incrementally at each stage of production and typically included in the displayed price, while US-style sales tax is usually added at the final point of sale and shown separately.

Do all products have the same VAT rate?

No — most countries have a standard rate plus one or more reduced rates for specific goods and services, and some items are exempt or zero-rated entirely. Check your country's specific rules for the item in question.

Can I get a VAT refund as a tourist?

Many countries offer VAT refunds to non-resident visitors on eligible purchases taken out of the country, usually with a minimum purchase amount and required paperwork at departure. Rules vary significantly by country.

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