
Learn how to master GST calculations in 5 minutes! Discover easy GST calculator tips, why dividing by 11 works, and how to compute GST on ₹1 lakh, ₹20,000, and GST-free amounts. Perfect for beginners!
Taxes can feel overwhelming, but GST (Goods and Services Tax) doesn’t have to be! Whether you’re a business owner, student, or just curious, this guide will simplify GST calculations for you. Let’s dive in and learn how to tackle GST Calculations in 5 Minutes
Master GST Calculations in 5 Minutes
GST (Goods and Services Tax) calculations are simpler than they seem! Here’s a direct, step-by-step guide to Mastering of GST Calculations in 5 Minutes
- Basic Formula:
- GST Amount = Original Price × GST Rate
Example: For ₹10,000 at 18%, GST = ₹1,800. - Total Price = Original Price + GST Amount
Example: ₹10,000 + ₹1,800 = ₹11,800.
- GST Amount = Original Price × GST Rate
- Reverse Calculation (Finding GST from Total):
Use GST = Total Amount × (GST Rate ÷ (100 + GST Rate)).
Example: If total is ₹2,360 (18% GST), GST = ₹2,360 × (18/118) = ₹360. - Divide by 11? Here’s Why:
This trick works only for a 10% GST rate (now rare). If total = ₹1,100, GST = ₹1,100 ÷ 11 = ₹100. For 2025 rates:- 5% GST: Divide total by 21.
- 12% GST: Divide by 9.33.
- 18% GST: Divide by 6.555.
- 28% GST: Divide by 4.571.
- GST on ₹1 Lakh:
- At 18%, GST = ₹18,000 (Total = ₹1,18,000).
- At 28%, GST = ₹28,000 (Total = ₹1,28,000).
- GST-Free Amounts:
Essentials like milk, eggs, and cereals have 0% GST. The price you see is what you pay. - Quick Comparison (₹20,000 vs. ₹1 Lakh):
- ₹20,000 at 18%: GST = ₹3,600 (Total = ₹23,600).
- ₹1 Lakh at 18%: GST = ₹18,000 (Total = ₹1,18,000).
Use an easy GST calculator (like the GST Portal’s tool) for instant results!
What is GST? A Quick Refresher

GST is a single tax applied to goods and services across India. It replaced multiple old taxes like VAT and service tax in 2017. As of 2025, GST rates are divided into four slabs: 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%, with some items like essentials taxed at 0%.
How to Calculate GST: The Basic Formula
Calculating GST is easier than you think! Here’s the golden formula:
GST Amount = Original Price × GST Rate
Total Price = Original Price + GST Amount
Example:
If a shirt costs ₹1,000 and GST is 12%,
- GST = ₹1,000 × 12% = ₹120
- Total Price = ₹1,000 + ₹120 = ₹1,120
Pro Tip: Use an easy GST calculator (like the one on the GST Portal) for quick results!
Why Do You Divide by 11 to Find GST?

You’ve probably heard, “Divide by 11 to find GST.” But why? This trick works only for a 10% GST rate (not commonly used today). Here’s the math:
- If GST is 10%, the total price becomes 110% of the original.
- So, GST Amount = Total Price ÷ 11.
Example:
Total Price = ₹1,100
GST = ₹1,100 ÷ 11 = ₹100
Note: For current GST rates (5%, 12%, 18%, 28%), use these divisors:
GST Rate | Divide Total By |
---|---|
5% | 21 |
12% | 9.33 |
18% | 6.555 |
28% | 4.571 |
How to Calculate GST from a Total Amount
What if you know the total price and need to find the GST? Use this formula:
GST Amount = Total Price × (GST Rate ÷ (100 + GST Rate))
Example:
Total Price = ₹2,360 (including 18% GST)
GST = ₹2,360 × (18 ÷ 118) = ₹360
Shortcut: For 18% GST, divide the total by 6.555 to get the GST.
Try Our Free Online GST Tools
GST on Large Amounts: How Much GST for ₹1 Lakh?
Large sums can be tricky, but the formula stays the same! Let’s calculate GST for ₹1 lakh at different rates:
GST Rate | GST Amount | Total Price |
---|---|---|
5% | ₹5,000 | ₹1,05,000 |
12% | ₹12,000 | ₹1,12,000 |
18% | ₹18,000 | ₹1,18,000 |
28% | ₹28,000 | ₹1,28,000 |
GST on ₹20,000 vs. ₹1 Lakh: Spot the Difference!
Let’s compare GST for ₹20,000 and ₹1 lakh (at 18%):
- ₹20,000:
- GST = ₹20,000 × 18% = ₹3,600
- Total = ₹23,600
- ₹1,00,000:
- GST = ₹1,00,000 × 18% = ₹18,000
- Total = ₹1,18,000
Fun Fact: GST grows linearly—double the amount, double the tax!
How to Calculate GST-Free Amounts
GST-free (0%) items include fresh milk, eggs, and cereals. To find the GST-free price from a total:
- Confirm the item is GST-free.
- The listed price is the actual price (no added GST).
Example:
If rice is labeled ₹50/kg, you pay ₹50—no hidden charges!
Recent GST Updates (2025)
- New 8% Slab: Eco-friendly products like solar lamps now taxed at 8%.
- Health Insurance: Premiums above ₹25,000/year attract 18% GST.
- E-commerce: Sellers must display GST-inclusive prices.
FAQs: Your GST Questions Answered
What is GST?
GST is a single tax on goods/services replacing older taxes like VAT.
How do I calculate GST quickly?
Use the formula GST = Original Price × Rate or an easy GST calculator.
Why divide by 11 for GST?
This works only for a 10% GST rate (Total ÷ 11 = GST).
How to remove GST from a total?
Use GST = Total × (Rate ÷ (100 + Rate)).
What’s GST on ₹1 lakh?
Depends on the slab! At 18%, it’s ₹18,000.
Is GST the same for ₹20,000 and ₹1 lakh?
Yes, if the rate is identical. GST scales with the amount.
Are medicines GST-free?
Some life-saving drugs are taxed at 5%; others at 12%.
How to check if an item is GST-free?
Refer to the GST Council’s latest list or ask the seller.
Can I compute GST without a calculator?
Yes! Use shortcuts like dividing by 6.555 for 18% GST.
Why are GST slabs different?
Slabs ensure essentials are cheaper, while luxuries are taxed higher.
Also Read
Conclusion: You’re Now a GST Pro!
Mastering GST calculations isn’t about complex math—it’s about understanding a few key rules. Whether you’re billing a client for ₹1 lakh or buying groceries worth ₹500, the formulas remain the same. Start with the basics: multiply the original price by the GST rate to find the tax, or reverse-engineer it using division for totals.
Remember, GST is designed to be transparent. For instance, if you’re unsure why a ₹1 lakh invoice has ₹18,000 GST, break it down: ₹1,00,000 × 18% = ₹18,000. This linear scaling makes it predictable for businesses and consumers.
Stay updated with 2025 changes, like the new 8% slab for eco-friendly products or higher GST on luxury items. Always cross-check GST-free items (like unbranded atta or fresh fruits) to avoid overpaying.
Practice with real-life examples:
- Calculate GST on your monthly phone bill (18%).
- Check the GST on a ₹25,000 laptop (28%).
With these tools, you’ll confidently handle invoices, receipts, and even budget planning. GST isn’t a hurdle—it’s a skill. In just 5 minutes, you’ve learned to decode it like a pro. Keep a calculator handy, bookmark the GST portal, and you’re all set!
Pro Tip: For frequent calculations, memorize the divisors (like 6.555 for 18%) to save time. Happy number-crunching!
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