# United Kingdom VAT calculator

> Add or remove United Kingdom VAT at the 20% standard rate and reduced rate 5%. Rates checked 21 October 2026 against the official source. Free.

Canonical page: https://superbooks.io/tools/vat-calculator/united-kingdom/

## United Kingdom VAT rates

| Rate | Type | Typically applies to |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 20% | standard | Everything not listed for another rate |
| 5% | reduced | Home energy, children's car seats, mobility aids |

Standard rate rose 17.5% -> 20% on 4 January 2011 (gov.uk/vat-rates). Zero rate (0%) covers most food, children's clothes, books, newspapers. Temporary: domestic electricity in Great Britain is 0% from 2026-10-01 to 2027-03-31 (HMRC Revenue and Customs Brief 10 (2026)); Northern Ireland stays 5%. Northern Ireland goods traders use the XI prefix.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK), https://www.gov.uk/vat-rates, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/revenue-and-customs-brief-10-2026-temporary-zero-rate-of-vat-for-domestic-electricity-in-great-britain/temporary-zero-rate-of-vat-for-domestic-electricity-in-great-britain. Last checked 21 October 2026.

## Calculate with the API

GET https://app.superbooks.io/api/tools/vat-calculator?country=GB&amount=100&mode=add

## Questions

### What is the VAT rate in United Kingdom?

The standard VAT rate in United Kingdom is 20%. United Kingdom also applies 5% (home energy, children's car seats, mobility aids). Checked 21 October 2026 against HMRC (GOV.UK).

### How do I calculate VAT in United Kingdom?

To add it, multiply the net amount by 1.2: 100.00 GBP net becomes 120.00 GBP gross. To take it out, divide the gross amount by 1.2.

### What does a United Kingdom VAT number look like?

It starts with GB, for example GB999999999. You can check one with the free VAT number checker.