About this calculator

This site exists to answer one recurring question clearly: when a bill adds a tax and a service charge, which is calculated on top of which — and what is the real total?

It is built and maintained by Marcio. Marcio builds small, single-purpose web tools that do one calculation well and explain the maths behind it. This VAT and service-charge calculator grew out of a recurring question from travellers and diners: when a bill adds a service charge and a tax, which is calculated on top of which?

The calculator does three things: it adds VAT to a net price, removes (reverses) VAT from a VAT-inclusive total, and breaks down a restaurant or hotel bill with a service charge and an optional municipality or tourism fee. Country presets cover common rates, and a toggle lets you see whether VAT is charged on top of the service charge — the point most people find confusing.

Everything runs in your browser using JavaScript. No figure you enter is uploaded, stored, or shared. The tool is provided free for general information; it is not tax advice, and rates and local rules change, so check the current rate for your country before relying on a result for anything official.

Found a rate that is out of date or a bill type that isn't covered? I'd like to hear about it — see the contact page.