UrbiTools

Statutory Maternity Pay Calculator UK 2026/27

Our free maternity pay calculator checks whether you qualify for statutory maternity pay in 2026/27 and works out exactly what you'll get — 90% of your earnings for 6 weeks, then £194.32 a week or 90%, whichever is lower, for 33 weeks.

How to use this calculator

  1. Gather your detailsYou'll need the baby's due date, the date you started with your current employer, and your average weekly earnings (average over the 8 weeks before the end of the 15th week before the due date).
  2. Enter them aboveThe calculator checks the 26-week service test and the £129/week earnings test against your qualifying week, then works out your weekly rates and 39-week total.
  3. Read your resultsWeeks 1–6 pay 90% of your average weekly earnings with no cap; weeks 7–39 pay £194.32 a week or 90% of your earnings, whichever is lower. SMP is taxed as earnings.

Calculate your maternity pay

£9,652.56
Total statutory maternity pay over 39 weeks (before tax)

Weeks 1–6: £540.00 a week (90% of your average weekly earnings). Weeks 7–39: £194.32 a week — the £194.32 flat rate, because 90% of your earnings is higher.

Qualifying week: 15 Nov 2026 – 21 Nov 2026 (the 15th week before the week your baby is due). Tell your employer by 16 Nov 2026.

SMP is paid through payroll and taxed as earnings. Average weekly earnings are worked out over the 8 weeks before the end of the qualifying week.

How statutory maternity pay is worked out

Statutory maternity pay is the lower of £194.32 a week or 90% of your average weekly earnings after an initial 6 weeks at 90% with no cap, for 39 weeks in total. To qualify you need 26 weeks' service by the 15th week before the due date and average earnings of at least £129 a week. The calculator checks both tests, then works out your qualifying week, weekly rates and 39-week total.

Worked example: on £600 a week, 90% is £540, so weeks 1–6 pay £540 a week (£3,240) and weeks 7–39 pay the £194.32 flat rate (£6,412.56) — £9,652.56 over 39 weeks, before tax. On £180 a week, 90% is £162, which is below the cap, so you get £162 a week for all 39 weeks (£6,318). For the tax treatment, read is maternity pay taxed.

Maternity pay questions

How much maternity pay will I get in 2026/27?
For the first 6 weeks you get 90% of your average weekly earnings with no cap. For the remaining 33 weeks you get £194.32 a week or 90% of your earnings, whichever is lower. Statutory maternity pay runs for 39 weeks; the final 13 weeks of your 52-week leave are unpaid unless your employer offers enhanced pay.
Who qualifies for statutory maternity pay?
You must have 26 weeks' continuous service by the 15th week before the due date (the qualifying week) and average earnings of at least £129 a week (the 2026/27 Lower Earnings Limit). You must also give your employer notice and proof of pregnancy, usually the MATB1 form.
Is maternity pay taxed?
Yes — statutory maternity pay is taxed as normal earnings: income tax and National Insurance are deducted through payroll, unlike Maternity Allowance, which is not taxed. See our guide is maternity pay taxed.
What if I don't qualify for SMP?
You may get Maternity Allowance from the government instead — up to £194.32 a week for 39 weeks if you were employed or self-employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before the due date. It is not taxed.
When can maternity pay start?
SMP can start from the 11th week before the week your baby is due. If your baby is born early, SMP starts the day after the birth. You must tell your employer at least 28 days before you want SMP to start.

Guide & related calculators

Guide: Is Maternity Pay Taxed?SMP is taxed as earnings; Maternity Allowance is not — plus the tax-year trap.Paternity Pay Calculator£194.32 a week or 90% of earnings for 1–2 weeks, 2026/27 rates.Sick Pay CalculatorStatutory sick pay from day one: £123.25 a week or 80% of earnings.Take-Home Pay CalculatorSalary after income tax, National Insurance and pension for 2026/27.Redundancy Pay CalculatorStatutory redundancy pay with 2026/27 rates and year-by-year breakdown.

Sources & official guidance

Estimate only — not legal or financial advice. Rates: 2026/27. See our disclaimer.