Car tax rate calculator UK — knowing your exact VED band is essential for budgeting and vehicle purchasing decisions. Whether you drive a brand new electric vehicle or a second-hand family car, this guide explains how to find your exact car tax rate in 2026.
How to Use a Car Tax Rate Calculator
A car tax rate calculator requires your vehicle's CO2 emissions figure and first registration date. The CO2 figure is shown on your V5C logbook or can be found via the DVLA vehicle enquiry. The first registration date determines whether you pay first-year graduated rates (post-April 2025) or the older system.
Use our free car tax calculator — enter your CO2 and fuel type to get your exact annual road tax cost.
VED Bands 2026: From 0g/km to 255g/km
- 0g/km (electric): £0 first year, then £10/year — cheapest possible
- 1-50g/km (plug-in hybrid): £10 first year, then £50/year
- 76-90g/km (small hybrid): £130 first year, then £50/year
- 131-150g/km (family petrol): £600 first year, then £190/year
- 171-190g/km (large diesel): £1,350 first year, then £190/year
- 226-255g/km (performance): £2,100 first year, then £190/year
- Over 255g/km (high performance): £2,605 first year, then £190/year
Car Tax Rate Calculator: Why CO2 Is Everything
Your car tax rate is determined almost entirely by CO2 emissions. A 200g/km petrol SUV and a 200g/km diesel SUV pay identical VED. There is no discount for better fuel economy or lower consumption — only emissions matter. This makes the car tax rate calculator an essential tool when comparing otherwise similar vehicles.
Alternative Fuel Vehicles: Special Rates
Alternative fuel vehicles — those running on LPG, CNG, bio-fuel, or hybrid power — receive slightly favourable rates in years 2-6 (£10/year instead of £190). However, first-year rates are identical to petrol equivalents based purely on CO2. The alternative fuel discount is modest but worth noting.
Conclusion
Use our car tax rate calculator UK to find your exact VED band and annual cost. Bookmark it — you will use it every time you buy or renew.