Work backwards from a final figure to the original. Enter a price that includes VAT, or one that has had a percentage taken off, and see the amount before the change.
Results are estimates for planning. Check the figures before you make a financial or health decision.
How the Reverse percentage and VAT-inclusive price works
When a percentage has been applied, the figure you hold is the original times a multiplier. The calculator divides by that multiplier to go back.
- A percentage was added (VAT, a service charge, a mark-up): original = final ÷ (1 + rate ÷ 100). For a VAT-inclusive price at 20%, divide by 1.2.
- A percentage was taken off (a sale price, a deduction): original = final ÷ (1 − rate ÷ 100). If 20% came off, divide by 0.8.
The tool also shows the amount that was added or removed, which is the difference between the two figures, and prints the division so you can follow it.
Pick 20%, 5% or 0% for the UK VAT rates, or choose “Other percentage” to type any rate. A taken-off percentage must be below 100%. VAT rates and which rate applies to your goods or services can change, so check GOV.UK for your case.
Worked example
Using the default values in the calculator above:
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Price or number you have now | £120 |
| What happened to the original | A percentage was added (for example VAT) |
| Percentage | 20% (UK standard VAT) |
Original amount: £100.00
| Amount that was added | £20.00 |
|---|---|
| Amount you have now | £120.00 |
| Multiplier used | × 1.2 |
| Working | £120.00 ÷ 1.2 = £100.00 |
Tips and common mistakes
The common mistake is to take 20% off the VAT-inclusive total. That gives the wrong answer, because 20% of the total is more than the VAT actually added. Always divide by 1.2 instead.
For a quick check, add the percentage back to your answer: original times 1.2 should return the price you started with. Where several items are on one receipt at different VAT rates, run each one separately. For adding VAT going forwards, use the VAT calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How do I remove 20% VAT from a price?
Divide the VAT-inclusive price by 1.2. The VAT itself is the inclusive price minus the result, which is one sixth of the inclusive price at 20%.
Why not just take 20% off the total?
Because VAT was added to the net price, not to the total. Twenty per cent of the total is bigger than the VAT charged, so you would take off too much.
How do I find the price before a sale discount?
Choose the taken-off option, enter the sale price and the discount percentage. The calculator divides by 1 minus the discount, so a 25% reduction means dividing by 0.75.
Guides that help
- Percentage increase and decrease, and reverse percentages
- VAT explained: adding and removing VAT
- How to calculate percentages