MoneyCalcs UK

UK Maternity Pay Calculator

Estimate how much Statutory Maternity Pay you could receive during maternity leave. Enter your due date and average earnings to see an estimated week-by-week maternity pay schedule.

Updated for 2025/26 and 2026/27

This calculator estimates gross Statutory Maternity Pay before Income Tax, National Insurance or other payroll deductions.

Estimate your Statutory Maternity Pay

A few simple questions — there is no need to have every figure exact.

1

Are you an employee?

2

When is your baby due?

Your maternity dates are all worked out from this date.

3

When are you planning to start maternity leave?

Enter your due date first and we will suggest a start date.

Maternity leave can also start automatically in certain circumstances, including an early birth or pregnancy-related sickness close to the due date.

4

How would you like to enter your earnings?

This is a simplified estimate. Your employer normally calculates SMP using your actual gross earnings during the relevant earnings period, so bonuses, overtime, salary changes and other payments can affect your actual Average Weekly Earnings.

5

By your qualifying week, will you have been continuously employed by the same employer for at least 26 weeks?

Enter your due date above to see your qualifying week dates.

Privacy: figures entered into this calculator stay in your browser and are not sent to MoneyCalcs UK.

What are Average Weekly Earnings for maternity pay?

An employer normally calculates Average Weekly Earnings using your gross earnings in the relevant period. The relevant period is usually an approximately 8-week period ending shortly before the qualifying week, and payments subject to Class 1 National Insurance can affect the calculation.

That is why a simple annual salary ÷ 52 estimate does not always match your employer's figure. Bonuses, overtime, a pay rise, unpaid leave or unusual pay periods falling inside the relevant period can all move your Average Weekly Earnings up or down.

If you already know the Average Weekly Earnings your employer has calculated, enter that figure in the calculator above for a closer estimate.

Who qualifies for Statutory Maternity Pay?

Standard eligibility for Statutory Maternity Pay generally includes:

  • being an eligible employee
  • meeting the minimum Average Weekly Earnings requirement
  • giving your employer appropriate notice and proof of pregnancy
  • being continuously employed by the same employer for at least 26 weeks into the qualifying week

The qualifying week is the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth — the calculator works this out from your due date. Special rules can apply in some circumstances, including agency work, multiple employers and early birth, so this calculator does not replace the official eligibility decision.

Is maternity leave the same as maternity pay?

No. Statutory Maternity Leave can last up to 52 weeks for eligible employees, while Statutory Maternity Pay normally lasts for up to 39 weeks. Someone taking the full 52 weeks may therefore have a final 13 weeks without any statutory maternity pay.

An employer may offer enhanced maternity pay separately under your contract. To plan your dates across the full year, see the Maternity Leave Planner, and for contractual top-ups see the Enhanced Maternity Pay Calculator.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources

MoneyCalcs UK provides estimates for general information and planning purposes only. Statutory Maternity Pay depends on your earnings, employment history and individual circumstances. Your employer is responsible for calculating the SMP actually payable. Check important figures against GOV.UK, your employer or an appropriately qualified adviser where necessary. MoneyCalcs UK is not affiliated with HMRC, DWP or GOV.UK.

Related calculators

Other maternity tools that use the same dates and pay figures.