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Paternity Pay Calculator (UK)

Becoming a dad or partner? Enter your pay to see your Statutory Paternity Pay for 1 or 2 weeks, plus when to tell your employer and the latest date to take your leave.

average over the 8 weeks before the qualifying week
in one block or as two separate weeks
for the qualifying week and the 52-week deadline
for your notice date and last day
Statutory Paternity Pay before tax
–

Last checked: 2 October 2026

How paternity pay is worked out (2026/27)

£194.32 a week or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower, for 1 or 2 weeks.

Average weekly earnings come from the 8 weeks of pay before the end of the qualifying week. You need at least £129 a week. Anyone earning more than £215.91 a week gets the flat rate.

Example

You earn £2,600 a month, about £600 a week. 90% would be £540, which is more than £194.32, so you get the flat rate: £388.64 for 2 weeks before tax, about £811 less than your normal pay unless your employer tops it up.

Paternity pay by average weekly pay

Average weekly pay1 week2 weeks
£140.00£126.00£252.00
£180.00£162.00£324.00
£215.91£194.32£388.64
£300.00£194.32£388.64
£500.00£194.32£388.64
£800.00£194.32£388.64

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

Related

For the mother's pay, see the maternity pay calculator. You keep building up holiday during paternity leave: check the holiday entitlement calculator. Count down to the due date with the days between dates calculator.

FAQ

How much is Statutory Paternity Pay in 2026?
From 6 April 2026, Statutory Paternity Pay is £194.32 a week or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. You get it for 1 or 2 weeks, so at most £388.64 before tax.
Who can get paternity pay?
You need to be the father, the partner of the mother, or an intended parent, earn at least £129 a week on average (2026/27) and have worked for the same employer for at least 26 weeks by the end of the qualifying week, the 15th week before the baby is due. You must still be employed up to the birth.
Is paternity leave a day-one right now?
Yes. Since 6 April 2026 you can take paternity leave from your first day in a job. Statutory Paternity Pay still needs 26 weeks of employment by the qualifying week and earnings of at least £129 a week, so new starters may get the leave unpaid.
When can I take paternity leave?
Any time from the birth until 52 weeks after it. You can take 1 week, 2 weeks in a row, or two separate weeks. Give your employer 28 days of notice before each block, and tell them by the end of the qualifying week that you want to take it.
Can I get paid more than statutory paternity pay?
Many employers pay enhanced paternity pay, often full pay for the 2 weeks. Check your contract or staff handbook. Statutory Paternity Pay is the legal minimum.
Is paternity pay taxed?
Yes. It is paid through payroll like your salary, so income tax, National Insurance and pension contributions are taken off.
What if I am self-employed?
Self-employed parents cannot get Statutory Paternity Pay. The mother may get Maternity Allowance instead of maternity pay.

Legal basis and sources

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

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