Statutory paternity pay is the lower of the standard weekly rate or 90% of your average weekly earnings, for up to two weeks. Unlike maternity pay there are no uncapped opening weeks, so most people receive the flat rate.
Shared parental pay uses the same weekly rate but can run far longer, because it converts leave the mother has not taken. This calculator covers both.
Calculated using England & Wales statutory rules. Figures last checked against source on 5 September 2026.
How this was worked out
- Average weekly earnings
- £600.00
- 90% of average weekly earnings
- £540.00
- Standard weekly rate
- £194.32
- Weekly pay
- £194.32 The standard rate is lower than 90% of your earnings, so the rate applies.
- Weeks taken
- 13 Shared parental pay is available for up to 37 weeks, converted from the mother’s maternity entitlement.
- Total
- £2,526.16
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, and represent the statutory minimum. Your contract may provide more.
Eligibility depends on your service and on giving proper notice, neither of which this tool checks.
How to use the paternity pay calculator
- Choose the type Paternity leave is up to two weeks. Shared parental leave can be much longer, up to 37 weeks of pay converted from the maternity entitlement.
- Enter your average weekly earnings Gross, averaged over the eight weeks ending with the 15th week before the baby is due.
- Enter the weeks you are taking Paternity leave can be taken as two separate one-week blocks rather than consecutively.
- Check your contract Enhanced paternity pay is increasingly common. Statutory pay is the floor.
Worked examples
- How much shared parental pay do you get over 26 weeks?
- How much shared parental pay do you get over 4 weeks?
- How much statutory paternity pay do you get earning £216 a week?
- How much shared parental pay do you get over 37 weeks?
- How much shared parental pay do you get over 8 weeks?
- How much shared parental pay do you get over 20 weeks?
- How much statutory paternity pay do you get earning £190 a week?
- How much statutory paternity pay do you get earning £130 a week?
Common questions
How much paternity leave can I take?
Up to two weeks, and the amount is the same whether you have one baby or twins. Since April 2024 it can be taken as two separate one-week blocks rather than consecutively.
Do I qualify?
You need 26 weeks of continuous service by the 15th week before the baby is due, and average weekly earnings at or above the lower earnings limit. You must also be the father, the partner of the mother, or the intended parent in a surrogacy arrangement.
When can leave start?
Not before the birth. It can begin on the day of the birth, an agreed number of days after it, or an agreed number of days after the expected week of childbirth.
What is shared parental leave?
It lets a mother convert leave and pay she has not used so a partner can take it instead. Up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay can be shared, and it can be taken in blocks rather than one continuous stretch.
Is it taxed?
Yes. Statutory paternity and shared parental pay are treated as earnings, so income tax and National Insurance are deducted as normal.
Can my employer refuse?
Not if you qualify and give proper notice. They can ask you to confirm your entitlement in writing.
Guides on this subject
-
Maternity and paternity pay: what you actually get
SMP runs 39 weeks with the first six uncapped at 90% of earnings. Paternity pay is two weeks at the…
-
How much holiday am I entitled to? UK statutory annual leave explained
Almost every UK worker gets 5.6 weeks of paid holiday, capped at 28 days. How it works part-time, and the…
-
UK tax codes explained: what 1257L, BR, D0, 0T and K codes mean
Your tax code decides how much income tax comes out of your pay. What each letter and prefix means, why…
Figures on this page are checked against primary sources and dated. They are not legal, tax or financial advice.
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