Guides hub
Plain-English guides that support the live tools
Start with the guide if you want the reasoning first, then use the live tool for the arithmetic. These guides are designed to make VAT, pricing, rates, and business maths easier to use properly.
Best place to start
Pick the explanation that matches the decision in front of you
The fastest way to use the guides well is to start with the question you actually need to answer. Choose the route below, then move into the matching calculator when you want the numbers worked out quickly.
Need to understand VAT?
Start with the VAT guide if you want net, VAT, and gross figures to feel clearer before you rely on the calculator.
Read the VAT guideNeed to price properly?
Start with the markup vs margin guide if you want to understand why the two percentages differ and why that matters in pricing.
Read the pricing guideNeed to set or review a rate?
Start with the hourly-rate guide if you want a clearer way to think about income goals, overheads, and realistic billable time.
Read the hourly-rate guideNeed to understand change?
Start with the percentage-change guide if you want increases and decreases to make sense before using the live calculator.
Read the percentage guideGuide library
Explore the full guide set
These guides are not there to repeat formulas for the sake of it. They are there to explain what the number means, when it is useful, and what mistakes to avoid before you use the live tool.
VAT guide
How VAT calculations work
A practical guide to VAT-inclusive and VAT-exclusive pricing for UK businesses.
Pricing guide
Markup vs margin explained
Understand why markup and margin are not the same and when each one matters.
Rates guide
How to price your hourly rate
A cleaner way to think about target income, overheads, and realistic billable time.
Business maths guide
How to calculate percentage change
A simple guide to working out percentage increases and decreases without confusion.
How to use the guides page
A simple way to move through the site
Understand the logic
Each guide explains what the number means, where it is useful, and how to apply it with more confidence in a real decision.
Avoid common mistakes
The guides highlight where people usually go wrong, such as mixing up markup and margin or losing track of net and gross values.
Use the live tool afterwards
A good pattern is guide first, calculator second. That gives you the explanation first and the faster arithmetic afterwards.
Next step after the guide
Use the calculators for speed, or keep the starter pack nearby
The guides help you understand the reasoning. The calculators help you move faster once the logic is clear. The starter pack gives you a printable quick-reference option for repeat checks.