Estimate your Statutory Maternity Pay for 2026/27, week by week.
| Period | Weekly | Total |
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Rates from 6 April 2026. Figures are shown before tax and National Insurance. Your employer works out average weekly earnings from your pay in an 8 week relevant period, so this is an estimate. Enhanced company schemes may pay more.
Planning maternity leave means knowing how much money will come in each week. This maternity pay calculator estimates your Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) for 2026/27 from your usual pay, using the rates set out in the official GOV.UK maternity pay guidance, and shows the weekly amounts, the 39 week total and whether you are likely to qualify.
Quick answer: A maternity pay calculator works out Statutory Maternity Pay for up to 39 weeks: 90% of average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, then £194.32 a week, or 90% if lower, for 33 weeks. On a £30,000 salary that is £519.24 a week, then £194.32, giving £9,528.00 in total for 2026/27.
In This Guide
What Is Statutory Maternity Pay?
SMP is the minimum your employer must pay while you are on maternity leave, as long as you qualify. It is paid for up to 39 weeks. To qualify, you need to have worked for your employer continuously for 26 weeks by the 15th week before your due week, and to have average weekly earnings of at least £129, the lower earnings limit for 2026/27.
The formula has two parts. For the first 6 weeks you get 90% of your average weekly earnings. For the next 33 weeks you get £194.32 a week, or 90% of your earnings if that is lower. On a £30,000 salary that is £519.24 a week, then £194.32, giving £9,528.00 in total.
How Do You Use the Maternity Pay Calculator UK?
Step 1: Choose Your Pay Period
Select whether you want to enter your pay per year, per month or per week, and the calculator converts your figure into average weekly earnings, which is the basis HMRC uses for SMP. Select whether you want to enter your pay per year, per month or per week. The calculator converts your figure into average weekly earnings, which is the basis HMRC uses for SMP.
Step 2: Enter Your Gross Pay
Type your pay before tax and bonuses. If you work part time, the pro rata salary calculator turns a full time salary into your actual pay so you can enter the right figure here with confidence.
Step 3: Check Your Eligibility
Leave the box ticked if you will have 26 weeks of continuous employment by the qualifying week. Untick it to see what happens if you do not, in which case the tool points you towards Maternity Allowance.
Step 4: Read Your Results
You will see the weekly SMP for each phase, the total over 39 weeks and an average monthly figure for budgeting. Remember that annual leave keeps building up while you are away, and the holiday pay calculator shows how much holiday you can add before or after your leave.
How Much Statutory Maternity Pay Will You Get in 2026/27?
| Annual salary | Weeks 1 to 6 | Weeks 7 to 39 | Total SMP |
|---|---|---|---|
| £11,000 | £190.39 | £190.39 | £7,425.21 |
| £20,000 | £346.16 | £194.32 | £8,489.52 |
| £30,000 | £519.24 | £194.32 | £9,528.00 |
| £50,000 | £865.39 | £194.32 | £11,604.90 |
On a £30,000 salary, Statutory Maternity Pay is £519.24 a week for weeks 1 to 6 and £194.32 a week for weeks 7 to 39, giving a total of £9,528.00. If you are self employed or do not qualify for SMP, you may be able to get Maternity Allowance from Jobcentre Plus instead, which has its own rules and rates. Many employers also offer enhanced maternity pay, so check your contract or staff handbook.
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How we checked this tool: the Tools Veria Editorial Team built this tool by hand, checked it against the official rules or published standards where they apply, and tested it against worked examples. Results are estimates for planning, not personal financial or tax advice. Read our editorial policy and disclaimer, or report an error.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Statutory Maternity Pay in 2026/27?
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.
How long is maternity pay paid for?
SMP is paid for up to 39 weeks. You can take up to 52 weeks of maternity leave, but the last 13 weeks are unpaid unless your employer pays more.
Who qualifies for SMP?
You must have worked for your employer continuously for 26 weeks by the 15th week before your due week and earn at least £129 a week on average.
Is maternity pay taxed?
Yes. SMP is treated like normal pay, so Income Tax and National Insurance are deducted through payroll.
What if I do not qualify for SMP?
You may be able to claim Maternity Allowance instead. Your employer should give you form SMP1 explaining why you do not qualify.
How much is statutory paternity pay?
Statutory Paternity Pay is £194.32 a week from April 2026, or 90% of average weekly earnings if that is lower.