VAT calculator
Calculate net, VAT and gross figures using the standard, reduced or zero rate.
Rates checked:
Who should use this calculator
This free calculator is intended for freelancers, sole traders, contractors and small-business owners who need a quick planning figure before preparing or checking an invoice. It can also help clients and bookkeepers understand the arithmetic behind a quoted amount. Use the result as a review aid alongside the relevant agreement, source records and current official guidance, not as an automatic accounting or legal decision.
Calculator methodology
VAT added equals net multiplied by the rate. VAT within a gross amount equals gross multiplied by rate divided by 100 plus rate.
This is general information, not tax, legal or accounting advice.
Worked example
A freelancer has a net charge of £500 for a standard-rated service. At 20%, VAT is £100 and the gross invoice total is £600. If the starting £600 is already VAT-inclusive, the VAT portion is £100 rather than £120 because it must be extracted from the gross amount, not added again.
Important limitations
Selecting a percentage does not determine whether a supply is standard-rated, reduced-rated, zero-rated, exempt or outside the scope. Registration status, place of supply, invoice date and special schemes can change treatment. Confirm the correct basis using current HMRC guidance or an adviser before issuing a VAT invoice or filing a return.
Before sending the invoice, compare the calculator output with the line totals and VAT summary in your draft. Record whether the entered amount was net or gross, the rate selected and the tax point. That short audit trail makes later bookkeeping checks and corrections much easier.
Common questions
Does Billoz store my calculator entries?
No. These public calculations run in the browser and are not saved to a Billoz account.
Is the result professional advice?
No. It is an indicative calculation based on the values entered and the displayed method.
Should I keep a record of the calculation?
For an important decision, retain the inputs, result, source and calculation date with the relevant invoice or business record.