GST & VAT Calculator — Add or Remove Tax Instantly
One calculator for UK VAT, EU VAT, Indian GST, Australian GST, and more. Pick your country for the right rate, or enter your own.
How to Use the GST & VAT Calculator
Whether you're a business owner pricing a product, a freelancer working out an invoice, or just trying to figure out how much tax you paid on a receipt — this calculator handles both directions. Add Tax takes a price before tax and shows you the total including tax. Remove Tax does the reverse — takes a price that already includes tax and works out the original amount plus exactly how much tax was in it.
Pick your region from the dropdown and the calculator loads the common rates for that country as quick-select chips. Don't see your exact rate? Just type any percentage directly into the rate field — it works for any country, any rate.
VAT Rates Across the UK and EU (2026)
| Country | Standard Rate | Reduced Rate(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 20% | 5%, 0% | 0% on most food, books, children's clothes |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | 19% | 7% | Reduced rate on food, books, transport |
| 🇫🇷 France | 20% | 10%, 5.5%, 2.1% | Multiple reduced bands by category |
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | 23% | 13.5%, 9% | One of the higher EU standard rates |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | 22% | 10%, 5%, 4% | Reduced rates on essentials |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | 21% | 10%, 4% | Called "IVA" locally |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 21% | 9% | Reduced rate on food, medicine |
GST Rates — India, Australia & Canada
| Country | GST/HST Rate(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇳 India | 5% / 12% / 18% / 28% | Multi-slab system based on product category |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 10% | Flat rate on most goods and services |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | 5% (GST) + provincial | HST combines GST + provincial tax, varies 13-15% in some provinces |
A Quick Worked Example
Say you're a UK freelancer invoicing a client £500 net, and you're VAT-registered at the standard 20% rate. Using "Add Tax" mode: £500 + (£500 × 20%) = £600 total, with £100 being the VAT you'll need to report and pay to HMRC.
Now flip it — a customer pays you £600 and you need to work out the VAT-exclusive amount for your records. Using "Remove Tax" mode at 20%: £600 ÷ 1.20 = £500 net, with £100 as the VAT component. Same numbers, opposite direction — and this is exactly where the "just multiply by the rate" shortcut goes wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GST the same as VAT?
Functionally, yes — both are consumption taxes added to the price of goods and services, collected by businesses on behalf of the government. VAT is the term used across the UK and EU. GST is the equivalent term used in India, Australia, Canada, Singapore, and several other countries. The mechanics of calculating each are identical; only the name and specific rates differ by country.
How do I calculate VAT backwards from a total price?
Divide the total (gross) price by (1 + VAT rate as a decimal). For UK VAT at 20%, divide by 1.20. So £180 total ÷ 1.20 = £150 net, meaning £30 was VAT. Use "Remove Tax" mode above to do this automatically for any rate.
Do all products have the same VAT or GST rate?
No. Most countries apply reduced rates or exemptions to certain categories — commonly food, books, children's items, and healthcare. The UK, for example, applies 0% VAT to most food and children's clothing, while standard goods carry 20%. India's GST system has four main slabs (5%, 12%, 18%, 28%) depending on the product category. Always check the specific rate for your product type.
Do I need to register for VAT or GST as a small business?
This depends on your country and your turnover. In the UK, VAT registration becomes mandatory once taxable turnover exceeds a set threshold (which changes periodically — check current HMRC guidance for the exact figure). Below that threshold, registration is often optional. Other countries have their own thresholds and rules. This calculator helps with the maths once you know your applicable rate, but registration requirements should be confirmed with your local tax authority or an accountant.
Why do EU countries have different VAT rates?
While the EU sets minimum VAT rate requirements for member states, each country sets its own actual rates within those guidelines — which is why standard rates range from around 17% to 27% across the EU. Reduced rates for specific categories also vary significantly by country, reflecting national policy choices around essentials like food, energy, and books.