Congratulations on your growing family. Use this calculator to understand exactly how much statutory maternity, paternity, shared parental or adoption pay you are entitled to. The summary is completely free.

UK Maternity & Paternity Pay Calculator

Calculate your statutory maternity pay (SMP), paternity pay (SPP), shared parental pay or adoption pay week by week. Updated for 2025 rates.

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) in the UK is paid for up to 39 weeks. Here is exactly what you will receive: 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, then £184.03 per week (or 90% of your earnings if lower) for the remaining 33 weeks. The last 13 weeks of your 52-week entitlement are unpaid.

To qualify for SMP, you need to have worked for your employer continuously for at least 26 weeks by the 15th week before your due date, and you must earn at least £123 per week on average. Paternity pay follows a simpler structure: one or two weeks at £184.03 per week. Shared Parental Pay allows couples to divide up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay between them.

According to the Office for National Statistics, there were approximately 605,000 live births in England and Wales in 2023 (ONS Birth Statistics, 2024). This calculator models SMP, SPP, Shared Parental Pay, and Adoption Pay week by week so you can plan your household finances before your leave starts.

How to calculate your maternity or paternity pay

  1. Select the type of leave — maternity, paternity, shared parental, or adoption
  2. Enter your average weekly earnings before tax
  3. Set your expected start date for the leave
  4. See a week-by-week payment schedule with totals

Written by the CalcStack team · Last updated March 2026

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Must be at least £123/week to qualify for statutory pay.

My employer offers enhanced maternity pay

Frequently asked questions

How much statutory maternity pay (SMP) will I get?▾
SMP is paid for up to 39 weeks. The first 6 weeks are paid at 90% of your average weekly earnings (AWE) before tax. Weeks 7 to 39 are paid at £184.03 per week or 90% of AWE, whichever is lower. Weeks 40 to 52 are unpaid but you can still take maternity leave.
What is the qualifying week for maternity pay?▾
The qualifying week is the 15th week before your baby is due. You must have been continuously employed by the same employer for at least 26 weeks by this date, and your average weekly earnings must be at least £123 (the Lower Earnings Limit).
When can I start maternity leave?▾
You can start maternity leave up to 11 weeks before your due date. The latest you can start is the day after the baby is born. You must give your employer at least 15 weeks’ notice of when you want to start.
How much is statutory paternity pay?▾
Statutory paternity pay is £184.03 per week or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. You can take 1 or 2 consecutive weeks of paternity leave within 56 days of the birth or adoption placement.
What are KIT days?▾
Keeping In Touch (KIT) days let you work up to 10 days during your maternity leave without ending your SMP. The pay for KIT days is agreed with your employer and is on top of your SMP. You do not have to work KIT days — they are optional for both you and your employer.
What is shared parental leave (SPL)?▾
Shared parental leave lets you share up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay between both parents. The mother must end her maternity leave early (curtailment notice) to create the shared pool. ShPP is paid at £184.03/week or 90% of AWE.
Can my employer refuse shared parental leave?▾
Your employer cannot refuse your right to shared parental leave if you are eligible. However, they can refuse a discontinuous leave pattern (blocks with gaps). If refused, you can take the leave as one continuous block instead.
Does adoption pay work the same as maternity pay?▾
Statutory adoption pay follows the same structure: 90% of AWE for the first 6 weeks, then £184.03/week or 90% AWE for weeks 7–39. The match date (when matched with a child) replaces the due date for qualification purposes.
What if I earn below the Lower Earnings Limit?▾
If your average weekly earnings are below £123, you will not qualify for SMP. However, you may be eligible for Maternity Allowance (MA) from the government, which is paid at £184.03/week or 90% of AWE for up to 39 weeks. Apply through Jobcentre Plus.
Do I accrue holiday during maternity leave?▾
Yes. You continue to accrue all your contractual holiday entitlement throughout your entire maternity leave, including any unpaid weeks. You can add this holiday before or after your maternity leave. Discuss the arrangement with your employer.

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© 2026 CalcStack — a Flavoureak UK Ltd product. This calculator provides an estimate of statutory maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption pay. It is not legal or financial advice. Rates are based on 2025 figures (£184.03/week statutory rate, £123/week LEL).