Maternity pay calculator
Use this maternity pay calculator to estimate your Statutory Maternity Pay in Great Britain. Enter your average weekly earnings and see what you could get for each of the 39 weeks, with the working shown. Your employer works out your actual pay, so use this as a guide.
Rules last checked 13 October 2026. Rates for 2026/27.
How do you want to enter your pay?
Use gross pay (before tax), including all earnings on which Class 1 National Insurance is due. Your employer uses your average weekly earnings over the relevant period, which is usually the 8 weeks before the qualifying week.
Have you worked for your employer continuously for at least 26 weeks, continuing into the qualifying week?
The qualifying week is the 15th week before the week your baby is due.
Used only to show your qualifying week. Nothing is stored or sent anywhere.
Enter your gross pay to see your estimated Statutory Maternity Pay.
Nothing you enter leaves your device. This is an estimate, not advice. Your employer works out your actual Statutory Maternity Pay.
How much is Statutory Maternity Pay?
Statutory Maternity Pay is paid for up to 39 weeks. For the first 6 weeks you get 90% of your average weekly earnings before tax. For the next 33 weeks you get £194.32 or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. Tax and National Insurance are deducted.
| Period | Rate |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1 to 6 | 90% of average weekly earnings |
| Weeks 7 to 39 | £194.32 or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower |
| Earnings threshold | £129 a week on average |
Who can get Statutory Maternity Pay
You must have worked for your employer continuously for at least 26 weeks continuing into the qualifying week, which is the 15th week before the week your baby is due, and earn on average at least £129 a week. You must also give your employer the correct notice and proof that you are pregnant. Check GOV.UK for the notice rules.
How average weekly earnings are worked out
The relevant period is usually the 8 weeks before the qualifying week. It includes all earnings on which Class 1 National Insurance is due. Earnings actually paid in the period count.
If you are paid weekly, your employer divides the total by 8 and does not round to whole pence. If you are paid monthly, your employer divides the earnings by the number of months in the period, multiplies by 12 and divides by 52.
Maternity leave and maternity pay
You can take up to 52 weeks of maternity leave, made up of 26 weeks of Ordinary Maternity Leave and 26 weeks of Additional Maternity Leave. Statutory Maternity Pay is paid for up to 39 weeks of that time. It is paid in the same way as your wages, for example weekly or monthly.
If you do not qualify
You may be able to get Maternity Allowance, which is paid for up to 39 weeks. You can apply once you have been pregnant for 26 weeks, and payments can start any time between the 11th week before your baby is due and the day after the baby is born. Read about Maternity Allowance on GOV.UK.
What this calculator does not include
- Maternity Allowance.
- Extra pay from your employer.
- Tax and National Insurance deductions.
- Pay rises during the relevant period.
- Adoption, paternity and shared parental pay.
- Northern Ireland.
- The exact relevant period and payday rules.
Leaving your job? Check what you are owed with the holiday pay calculator.
Facing redundancy? Use the statutory redundancy pay calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much maternity pay will I get?
Statutory Maternity Pay is paid for up to 39 weeks. You get 90% of your average weekly earnings before tax for the first 6 weeks, then £194.32 or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower, for the next 33 weeks.
What is the Statutory Maternity Pay rate for 2026/27?
The standard weekly rate is £194.32. It is paid after the first 6 weeks, unless 90% of your average weekly earnings is lower.
Who qualifies for Statutory Maternity Pay?
You must have worked for your employer continuously for at least 26 weeks continuing into the qualifying week, and earn on average at least £129 a week. The qualifying week is the 15th week before the week your baby is due.
How is average weekly earnings worked out?
It is based on your earnings in the relevant period, usually the 8 weeks before the qualifying week, including all earnings on which Class 1 National Insurance is due. If you are paid monthly, your employer divides the earnings by the number of months, multiplies by 12 and divides by 52.
Is Statutory Maternity Pay taxed?
Yes. Tax and National Insurance are deducted from Statutory Maternity Pay.
How long is Statutory Maternity Pay paid for?
Up to 39 weeks. Maternity leave itself can last up to 52 weeks, made up of 26 weeks of Ordinary Maternity Leave and 26 weeks of Additional Maternity Leave.
What if I do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay?
You may be able to get Maternity Allowance, which is paid for up to 39 weeks. Check GOV.UK to see whether you qualify.
Does my employer have to pay more than the statutory amount?
Not by law. Statutory Maternity Pay is the minimum. Your contract may offer more, so check it or ask your employer.
Sources
Rules checked against these official pages on 13 October 2026:
Read how we keep calculators accurate, or browse all UK calculators.
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