VAT Calculator
Add VAT or sales tax to a price, or take it out of a price that already includes it. Pick a European country to use its standard rate, or enter your own.
Calculate
Result
The formula
Add tax: Gross = Net × (1 + rate); Tax = Gross − Net. Extract from inclusive: Net = Gross ÷ (1 + rate); Tax = Gross − Net. Use the rate as a decimal (21% → 0.21).
Worked example
- Net $100, VAT 21% → Gross = 100 × 1.21 = $121; Tax = $21
- Inclusive $121 at 21% → Net = 121 ÷ 1.21 = $100; Tax = $21
Result: $100 net · $21 VAT · $121 gross
How VAT add and extract work
VAT is a percentage of the taxable net. Inclusive shelf prices already embed that tax — extraction reverses the markup.
Add tax (exclusive → inclusive)
Start from a net (ex-VAT) amount. Multiply by (1 + r) for the customer-facing gross. This matches B2B quotes that show net + VAT separately.
Extract tax (inclusive → exclusive)
Divide the gross by (1 + r). Do not multiply the gross by the rate — that overstates tax. Example mistake: 21% of $121 = $25.41, but true VAT in $121 at 21% is $21.
Standard rates by country
Standard VAT rates differ by country (for example DE 19%, FR/UK 20%, NL/ES 21%, IT 22%, HU 27%). Reduced rates for food or books are not auto-selected — enter the rate that applies to your goods.
Interesting facts
Never multiply inclusive by the rate
Tax inside a gross price is Gross − Gross/(1+r), not Gross × r.
Standard vs reduced rates
Many countries use reduced VAT for essentials. Confirm the rate for your product category.
B2B vs B2C invoices
Business invoices often show net, VAT, and gross on separate lines — same math as this tool.
Sales tax vs VAT
U.S. sales tax is usually added at checkout; VAT is often embedded in shelf prices. The arithmetic for a single rate is the same family.
VAT share of the total
At 21% on net, VAT is about 17.4% of the gross (rate ÷ (1 + rate)), not 21% of the shelf price.
Frequently asked questions
Choose Add VAT, enter the net amount, and set the rate to 21% (or pick a country preset). Gross = net × 1.21.
Choose Remove VAT, enter the gross amount and rate. Net = gross ÷ (1 + rate).
Because the rate applies to the net, not the gross. Multiplying an inclusive price by the rate overstates tax.
Use your country’s standard rate for most goods, or the reduced rate if it applies. Country presets cover common standards.
Yes for the arithmetic — enter your local sales tax percentage. US sales tax is usually added at checkout rather than embedded in the shelf price.
References
- VAT rates — Taxation and Customs Union EU VAT framework and standard / reduced rate information.
- Sales tax — consumer basics General consumer context for checkout taxes and pricing.