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Maternity Pay Calculator (UK)

Having a baby? Enter your pay and, if you like, your due date to see your Statutory Maternity Pay week by week, the total, and the dates that matter.

average over the 8 weeks before the qualifying week
for the qualifying week and earliest start
usually the first day of your leave
Total Statutory Maternity Pay before tax
–

Last checked: 2 October 2026

How SMP is worked out (2026/27)

Weeks 1–6: 90% of your average weekly earnings. Weeks 7–39: £194.32 or 90%, whichever is lower.

Average weekly earnings come from the 8 weeks of pay before the end of the qualifying week. You need at least £129 a week.

Example

You earn £2,600 a month, which is £600 a week on average. For 6 weeks you get 90%: £540 a week, £3,240. Then 33 weeks at £194.32: £6,412.56. In total £9,652.56 before tax.

SMP by average weekly pay

Average weekly payWeeks 1–6Weeks 7–39Total
£150£135.00£135.00£5,265.00
£200£180.00£180.00£7,020.00
£250£225.00£194.32£7,762.56
£400£360.00£194.32£8,572.56
£600£540.00£194.32£9,652.56
£1000£900.00£194.32£11,812.56

Rates for England, Scotland and Wales from 6 April 2026. Before tax and National Insurance.

Related

You keep building up holiday on maternity leave: see the holiday entitlement calculator. Going back part time? The pro rata salary calculator shows your new pay. Off sick before the birth? Check the sick pay calculator, and count the weeks with the days between dates calculator.

FAQ

How much is Statutory Maternity Pay in 2026?
From 6 April 2026, SMP is 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, then £194.32 a week or 90% of your earnings (whichever is lower) for the next 33 weeks. That is 39 weeks of pay in total.
Who can get SMP?
You need to earn at least £129 a week on average (the lower earnings limit for 2026/27) and to have worked for the same employer for at least 26 weeks by the end of the qualifying week, the 15th week before the week your baby is due. You also have to give your employer the right notice and proof of pregnancy (form MATB1).
What is the qualifying week?
It is the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth. The expected week starts on the Sunday before your due date (or on the due date if it is a Sunday). Your average earnings are worked out from the 8 weeks of pay up to the end of the qualifying week.
When can maternity pay start?
At the earliest 11 weeks before the expected week of childbirth. It usually starts the day after you start your maternity leave. If you are off sick with a pregnancy-related illness in the last 4 weeks before the due date, or the baby comes early, it starts automatically.
Is SMP taxed?
Yes. SMP is paid through payroll like your salary, so income tax and National Insurance are taken off. Many employers also pay enhanced maternity pay on top, so check your contract.
What if I do not qualify for SMP?
You may get Maternity Allowance from Jobcentre Plus instead: up to £194.32 a week for 39 weeks if you earned at least £30 a week in 13 of the 66 weeks before your due date, including self-employed work.
What about the pay rise in April?
The flat rate usually goes up every April. If part of your 39 weeks falls after the next April, those weeks are paid at the new rate, so your real total may be a little higher than shown.

Legal basis and sources

For information only. Your contract or specific circumstances may change the result.

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