About the UK Paternity Pay Calculator
This paternity pay calculator works out Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) — the minimum your employer must pay while you take paternity leave after the birth or adoption of a child. Enter your salary, how long you have worked for your employer and whether you are taking one or two weeks, and it shows your weekly SPP, the total, and how much less that is than your normal pay.
It is meant for fathers, partners (including same-sex partners) and adopters planning the household budget around a new arrival, and for small employers checking a payslip. Many employers top up SPP with enhanced paternity pay; this tool shows the statutory floor they cannot go below.
Figures are for the 2026/27 tax year (from 6 April 2026), as published on GOV.UK: SPP is £194.32 a week or 90% of your average weekly earnings (AWE), whichever is lower, and you must earn at least £129 a week on average and have 26 weeks’ continuous employment by the end of the qualifying week (the 15th week before the due week). Your average weekly earnings are estimated as annual salary ÷ 52; your employer uses your actual pay in the eight weeks before the qualifying week. SPP is taxed and subject to National Insurance like normal pay.
With the default inputs, the total statutory paternity pay is £388.64. Change any value above to recalculate instantly.
How to use the uk paternity pay calculator
- 1Enter your annual gross salary before tax.
- 2Choose whether you will take one or two weeks of paternity leave.
- 3Enter how many weeks you will have worked for your employer by the qualifying week.
- 4Check the standard rate and Lower Earnings Limit match the tax year of your leave.
- 5Read your weekly and total SPP, and the gap to your normal pay.
Formula and method
Average weekly earnings (AWE) are estimated as annual gross salary ÷ 52. Statutory Paternity Pay is the lower of the standard weekly rate (R, £194.32 for 2026/27) and 90% of AWE, paid for each week of paternity leave — one week or two. Unlike maternity pay there is no higher-rate period at 90% of earnings: the weekly amount is the same in both weeks.
To qualify for pay you must be employed, have worked for the same employer continuously for at least 26 weeks up to any day in the qualifying week (the 15th week before the baby is due), and have average earnings of at least the Lower Earnings Limit (£129 a week). Your employer calculates AWE from your actual gross pay in the eight weeks (or two monthly pay periods) up to the last payday before the end of the qualifying week, so irregular pay can give a different result.
- AWE
- Average weekly earnings (salary ÷ 52 here)
- R
- SPP standard weekly rate (£194.32 in 2026/27)
- LEL
- Lower Earnings Limit (£129 a week in 2026/27)
Worked examples
£35,000 salary, two weeks off
Average weekly earnings are £35,000 ÷ 52 = £673.08, and 90% of that (£605.77) is above the standard rate, so SPP is £194.32 a week. Two weeks pay £388.64 — £957.51 less than normal pay for the same fortnight.
Part-time worker on £10,000 a year
AWE is £192.31, which is above the £129 Lower Earnings Limit. Because 90% of AWE (£173.08) is below £194.32, SPP is £173.08 a week, or £346.15 for two weeks.
Earnings below the Lower Earnings Limit
Average weekly earnings of £115.38 are under the £129 Lower Earnings Limit, so no Statutory Paternity Pay is due, although the employee can still take paternity leave.
New starter with 20 weeks’ service
Even on a £35,000 salary, SPP needs 26 weeks’ continuous employment by the qualifying week. With 20 weeks, no statutory pay is due, though the two weeks of leave can still be taken unpaid.
Frequently asked questions
How much is statutory paternity pay in 2026?+
From 6 April 2026 Statutory Paternity Pay is £194.32 a week or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. It was £187.18 a week in the 2025/26 tax year.
How long is paternity leave in the UK?+
You can take up to 2 weeks of paternity leave, either as one 2-week block or as two separate 1-week blocks. It cannot start before the birth and must end within 52 weeks of the birth or adoption placement.
Who qualifies for statutory paternity pay?+
You must be an employee or worker on payroll, the biological father, the mother’s partner or an adopter, have 26 weeks’ continuous employment by the end of the qualifying week, earn on average at least £129 a week, and give the correct notice. Unpaid paternity leave itself has no service requirement — it is available from your first day of employment.
Is paternity pay taxed?+
Yes. SPP is paid through payroll like your normal wages, so Income Tax, National Insurance and any pension contributions or student loan repayments are deducted as usual.
Do I get paid more for twins?+
No. The entitlement is the same — up to 2 weeks of leave and pay — whether you are having one baby or multiple babies from the same pregnancy or adoption.
What if I don’t qualify for paternity pay?+
Paternity leave is a day-one right, so you can still take up to 2 weeks off unpaid, and your employer’s own policy may pay more. If you are not eligible for SPP your employer should give you form SPP1 within 28 days explaining why.
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.