Free UK Business Calculator

Eat-in vs Takeaway VAT Calculator

Understand how VAT can affect your restaurant, cafe and takeaway sales. Calculate estimated monthly and annual VAT with our free online calculator.

Important: Eat-in catering and qualifying hot takeaway food are generally standard-rated at 20%. Eligible cold takeaway food may be zero-rated. Other food and drink products can have different VAT treatment. This calculator is an estimate, not a product-level VAT classification tool.

Enter Your Sales Details

Enter your monthly sales figures below.

How are your sales prices entered? Select how your monthly sales figures are recorded.

Monthly eat-in sales

Total monthly sales from customers eating on your premises. Enter a valid amount between £0 and £100,000,000.

Monthly takeaway sales

Total monthly sales from takeaway orders. Enter a valid amount between £0 and £100,000,000.

What type of takeaway food do you sell?

Eligible cold takeawaySubject to zero-rating conditions0% VAT Hot / standard-ratedSubject to standard-rate rules20% VAT

Choose the applicable treatment for your takeaway sales. Some cold products are also standard-rated.

Your Estimated VAT Results

Based on the monthly sales figures you entered.

Estimated Monthly VAT £1,666.67 Estimated output VAT on your sales

Eat-in VAT (20%)£1,666.67

Takeaway VAT£0.00

Monthly Net Sales£13,333.33

Monthly Gross Sales£15,000.00

Estimated Annual VAT£20,000.04

These figures estimate output VAT on sales only. They do not include input VAT recovery, adjustments, exemptions or other VAT accounting considerations.

Eat-in vs Takeaway VAT Comparison

Eat-in catering20% standard rate

Eligible cold takeaway food0% zero rate

Qualifying hot takeaway food20% standard rate

Other standard-rated food items20% standard rate

How Does the VAT Calculator Work?

Compare your restaurant and takeaway sales in three simple steps.

Enter Your Sales

Add your monthly eat-in and takeaway sales. Choose whether your figures include VAT or exclude VAT.

Select VAT Treatment

Choose eligible cold takeaway or hot and standard-rated takeaway sales according to the applicable VAT rules.

View Your VAT Estimate

See estimated eat-in VAT, takeaway VAT, monthly VAT and annual VAT on your sales.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the VAT rate for eat-in restaurant food in the UK?

Eat-in food supplied as catering is generally subject to the standard VAT rate of 20%, subject to specific exceptions.

Is takeaway food zero-rated in the UK?

Not all takeaway food is zero-rated. Eligible cold takeaway food can be zero-rated, while qualifying hot takeaway food and certain other food and drink products are standard-rated.

Do restaurants charge VAT on hot takeaway food?

Generally, yes. Hot takeaway food meeting HMRC's criteria is subject to the standard VAT rate of 20%.

How do I calculate VAT from a VAT-inclusive price?

For a standard-rated item at 20%, divide the VAT-inclusive price by 6 to calculate the VAT amount. For example, £120 including VAT contains £20 VAT.

Can I use this calculator for all food products?

No. Some cold takeaway products, including confectionery, crisps and certain drinks, are standard-rated. Check the exact product classification and HMRC guidance before applying a VAT rate.

Does this calculator include VAT on business expenses?

No. It estimates output VAT on sales. Input VAT recovery and other adjustments must be considered separately when preparing your VAT return.

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Disclaimer: This calculator provides illustrative estimates only and is not tax or accounting advice. It assumes a VAT-registered business and standard UK VAT treatment. Actual VAT liability depends on the exact products, circumstances and applicable HMRC rules. Always consult HMRC guidance or a qualified accountant.