About the UK Maternity Pay Calculator
This maternity pay calculator estimates UK Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) from your salary. SMP is paid for up to 39 weeks: the first 6 weeks at 90% of your average weekly earnings (AWE) with no upper limit, and the remaining 33 weeks at the standard weekly rate or 90% of AWE, whichever is lower. It shows each phase, the total and how much less you will receive than your normal pay.
Use it when planning a pregnancy budget, deciding when to return to work or checking what your employer has quoted. If your employer offers enhanced (occupational) maternity pay, it will be at least this much — this tool shows the statutory floor.
The defaults use the 2026/27 figures published by GOV.UK (from 6 April 2026): a standard rate of £194.32 a week and a Lower Earnings Limit of £129 a week. Both are uprated each April, so change the fields if your leave falls under a different tax year (2025/26 was £187.18 and £125). AWE is approximated as annual salary ÷ 52; your employer calculates it from pay in the eight weeks before the qualifying week (the 15th week before your due week). SMP is taxable and subject to National Insurance like normal pay.
With the default inputs, the total smp over 39 weeks is £9,787.56. Change any value above to recalculate instantly.
How to use the uk maternity pay calculator
- 1Enter your annual gross salary before tax.
- 2Check the SMP standard weekly rate and update it if a newer rate applies.
- 3Leave the Lower Earnings Limit at its default unless it has changed.
- 4Read your weekly pay for weeks 1–6 and 7–39 and the 39-week total.
- 5Use the shortfall figure to plan savings for your leave.
Formula and method
Average weekly earnings (AWE) are estimated as annual gross salary ÷ 52. For the first six weeks you receive 90% of AWE with no cap. For the remaining 33 weeks you receive the lower of the standard weekly rate (R) and 90% of AWE. The total covers 39 weeks of paid leave.
To qualify you must have worked for the same employer continuously for at least 26 weeks up to the qualifying week and earn on average at least the Lower Earnings Limit. If you do not qualify, you may be able to get Maternity Allowance from Jobcentre Plus instead. SMP is paid through payroll, so income tax and National Insurance are deducted.
- AWE
- Average weekly earnings (salary ÷ 52 here)
- R
- SMP standard weekly rate
- LEL
- Lower Earnings Limit for National Insurance
Worked examples
£32,500 salary
AWE is £32,500 ÷ 52 = £625. Weeks 1–6 pay 90% = £562.50, totalling £3,375. Weeks 7–39 pay the standard rate of £194.32 because it is lower than 90% of AWE: 33 × £194.32 = £6,412.56. Total SMP is £9,787.56, about £14,587 less than normal pay.
Low earner on £8,000 a year
AWE is £153.85, above the £129 Lower Earnings Limit. 90% of AWE is £138.46, which is below the standard rate, so all 39 weeks are paid at £138.46 — £5,400 in total.
£6,000 a year — below the earnings limit
AWE of £115.38 is under the £129 Lower Earnings Limit, so SMP is not payable. The employee should check eligibility for Maternity Allowance instead.
£60,000 salary
AWE is £1,153.85, so weeks 1–6 pay £1,038.46 a week (£6,230.77). Weeks 7–39 are capped at the £194.32 standard rate (£6,412.56), giving £12,643.33 in total.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Statutory Maternity Pay?+
SMP is 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, then the standard weekly rate (£194.32 in 2026/27) or 90% of earnings, whichever is lower, for the next 33 weeks. It is paid for up to 39 weeks in total.
Who qualifies for SMP?+
You must be an employee, have worked for your employer continuously for at least 26 weeks up to the 15th week before your due week, earn at least the Lower Earnings Limit on average, and give the correct notice and proof of pregnancy (usually form MATB1).
Is maternity pay taxed?+
Yes. SMP is paid through your employer’s payroll, so income tax and National Insurance are deducted in the same way as normal wages. Because your pay drops, you may pay less tax overall and could receive a refund.
What if I don’t qualify for SMP?+
If you are self-employed, recently changed jobs or earn below the Lower Earnings Limit, you may be able to claim Maternity Allowance from Jobcentre Plus, which is paid for up to 39 weeks at the same standard rate or 90% of average earnings if lower.
Do pay rises affect maternity pay?+
Yes. If you receive a pay rise that would have been included in the calculation period, even after it has ended, your employer must recalculate SMP and pay any extra, including backdated amounts.
Results are estimates for educational purposes and are not financial advice. Rates, fees and terms vary — confirm with your lender or a licensed advisor before making decisions.