Maternity pay calculator

Statutory maternity pay runs for 39 weeks. The first six are paid at 90% of your average weekly earnings with no cap at all, and the remaining 33 at whichever is lower — the standard weekly rate or 90% of your earnings.

The uncapped first six weeks are the part most calculators get wrong, and they are worth the most to anyone earning above the standard rate. Maternity leave itself can run to 52 weeks; the last 13 are unpaid unless your employer offers more.

Gross, averaged over the eight weeks ending with the 15th week before the baby is due.

Northern Ireland sets its own limits.

Total statutory maternity pay £7,578.96
First 6 weeks, weekly £194.40
Weeks 7 to 39, weekly £194.32

Calculated using England & Wales statutory rules. Figures last checked against source on 5 September 2026.

How the 39 weeks split
  • First 6 weeks at 90% £1,166
  • Weeks 7 to 39 £6,413
How this was worked out
Average weekly earnings
£216.00
First 6 weeks at 90%
£1,166.40 These weeks are not capped, so higher earners receive considerably more than the standard rate.
Next 33 weeks
£6,412.56 Paid at the standard rate of £194.32, because 90% of your earnings is higher.
Total over 39 weeks
£7,578.96

Things that could change this figure

  • Statutory maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental pay all require average weekly earnings at or above the lower earnings limit. Below it, Maternity Allowance may be available instead — it is paid by the government rather than your employer. Read the guide
  • Average weekly earnings are measured over the eight weeks ending with the 15th week before the baby is due. A pay rise or a quiet period inside that window changes the figure. Read the guide
  • This is the statutory minimum. Enhanced maternity and paternity schemes are common, and may pay full salary for a period or a lump sum on return to work. Read the guide

Sources

Please read

These are gross figures before tax and National Insurance. This is the statutory minimum; your contract may provide considerably more.

Eligibility depends on your service and the timing of your notice, neither of which this tool checks.

How to use the maternity pay calculator

  1. Enter your average weekly earnings Gross, averaged over the eight weeks ending with the 15th week before your baby is due. That specific window is what the statute uses.
  2. Read the two rates The first six weeks and the following 33 are paid differently. The result shows both, and the total across all 39.
  3. Check your contract Many employers offer enhanced maternity pay — full pay for a period, or a lump sum on return. Statutory pay is the floor.
  4. Consider the tax position Maternity pay is taxable and subject to National Insurance like ordinary earnings, so what reaches your account is less than the figures here.

Worked examples

Common questions

Do I qualify for statutory maternity pay?

You need 26 weeks of continuous service by the 15th week before your baby is due, and average weekly earnings at or above the lower earnings limit. If you do not qualify, Maternity Allowance may be available instead — it is paid by the government rather than your employer.

Why are the first six weeks higher?

Because they are uncapped. They are paid at 90% of your actual average weekly earnings with no ceiling, while the following 33 weeks are capped at the standard rate. For anyone earning above that rate, the first six weeks are worth substantially more.

How long is maternity leave?

Up to 52 weeks, regardless of how long you have worked there. Statutory pay covers 39 of those, so the final 13 weeks are unpaid unless your employer offers more.

Is maternity pay taxed?

Yes. It is treated as earnings, so income tax and National Insurance are deducted as normal. Because your income for the year is likely lower, you may end up owed a refund.

Can I share the leave?

Yes. Shared parental leave allows you to convert most of your maternity leave and pay so a partner can take it instead. Up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay can be shared.

Does holiday build up while I am off?

Yes. Statutory holiday continues to accrue throughout maternity leave, and it must be paid or taken.

Guides on this subject

Figures on this page are checked against primary sources and dated. They are not legal, tax or financial advice.

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