UK maternity pay calculator (Statutory Maternity Pay)

What you get in Statutory Maternity Pay over the 39 weeks: the first six weeks at 90% of your pay, then the flat rate or 90%, whichever is lower.

Statutory Maternity Pay over 39 weeks

£9,652.56

£540.00 a week for 6 weeks, then £194.32 a week for 33

£540 a week at first
£194.32 a week after
41% of your pay on average

With average earnings of £600.00 a week, Statutory Maternity Pay is £540.00 a week for the first 6 weeks (£3,240.00 in all), then £194.32 a week for the next 33 weeks (£6,412.56). Over the 39 weeks that is £9,652.56, which averages £247.50 a week.

Statutory Maternity Pay is paid like wages, so tax and National Insurance are taken from it. You can take up to 52 weeks of leave, but the pay lasts 39 weeks. Your employer may offer more than the statutory pay: check your contract.

To qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay you must also have worked for your employer continuously for at least 26 weeks into the qualifying week (the 15th week before the baby is due), give the right notice, and give proof of the pregnancy.
The amounts shown are before tax and National Insurance. Your employer pays them in the same way as your wages.
Not included: an employer’s own maternity scheme, which can pay more, and Shared Parental Pay if you share the leave.

I’m not an accountant or a financial advisor. This is an estimate, for information only. Check with a professional before you decide.

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The calculation
	Average weekly earnings	£600.00
	First 6 weeks90% of your average weekly earnings	£540.00 a week
	Total for the first 6 weeks	£3,240.00
	Next 33 weeks£194.32, the flat rate: lower than 90% of your pay	£194.32 a week
	Total for the next 33 weeks	£6,412.56
=	Statutory Maternity Pay, 39 weeks	£9,652.56
	Average over the 39 weeks	£247.50 a week

How it works

Take your average weekly earnings before tax. For the first 6 weeks you get 90% of that figure.
For the next 33 weeks you get 90% of your average weekly earnings or the flat rate of £194.32, whichever is lower. For higher earners the flat rate applies.
Add the two: 6 weeks at the higher rate and 33 weeks at the lower one make 39 weeks of pay. You qualify if you earn on average at least £129 a week and meet the service and notice rules.

Worked example

Average earnings of £600 a week: 90% is £540, so the first 6 weeks pay £3,240. After that the flat rate of £194.32 is lower than £540, so 33 weeks pay £6,412.56. Total £9,652.56 over 39 weeks.

Sources

Text checked on October 12, 2026

Good to know

Statutory Maternity Pay lasts up to 39 weeks, while statutory maternity leave is up to 52 weeks: 26 weeks of Ordinary Maternity Leave and 26 of Additional Maternity Leave. You must take 2 weeks of leave after the birth.
The earliest your leave can usually start is 11 weeks before the expected week of childbirth. Tell your employer when the baby is due and when you want to start at least 15 weeks before the due date.
For the pay itself, give your employer at least 28 days’ notice, in writing if they ask, and proof that you are pregnant: a letter from your doctor or midwife, or the MATB1 certificate, within 21 days of your pay start date.
If you do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay, you may qualify for Maternity Allowance for up to 39 weeks: for example if you are self-employed or have recently stopped working.
Your employment rights are protected during statutory maternity leave: you keep building up holiday and you have the right to return to work.
An employer can offer enhanced pay above the statutory amount. Your contract or staff handbook says what yours offers.

Frequently asked questions

How much is Statutory Maternity Pay in 2026/27?

90% of your average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, then £194.32 or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower, for the next 33 weeks.

How long is Statutory Maternity Pay paid?

For up to 39 weeks. Maternity leave itself can be up to 52 weeks, but the last 13 weeks are unpaid unless your employer offers more.

Who qualifies for Statutory Maternity Pay?

Employees who earn on average at least £129 a week, have worked for their employer continuously for at least 26 weeks into the qualifying week, and give the correct notice and proof of pregnancy.

What if I do not qualify?

Your employer gives you form SMP1 explaining why. You may be able to get Maternity Allowance instead, for up to 39 weeks.

Is maternity pay taxed?

Yes. Statutory Maternity Pay is paid like your wages, and tax and National Insurance are deducted from it.