Estimate how much Statutory Maternity Pay you could get over 39 weeks. Enter your average weekly earnings and the flat weekly rate, and add a start date to see the key dates.
Results are estimates for planning. Check the figures before you make a financial or health decision.
How the Statutory Maternity Pay calculator works
Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) lasts up to 39 weeks:
- Weeks 1 to 6: 90% of your average weekly earnings, with no upper limit.
- Weeks 7 to 39 (33 weeks): the lower of the flat weekly rate and 90% of your average weekly earnings.
The flat rate changes each April, so the default is the 2026/27 figure and you can edit it. Check GOV.UK for the current one. The total is six weeks at the higher rate plus 33 weeks at the lower figure. If you enter a first day of pay, the tool lists when week 1 begins, week 7 begins (when the rate may fall) and week 39 ends.
The amounts are before tax and National Insurance. Maternity Allowance, for people who do not qualify for SMP, pays the same flat rate or 90% of earnings if lower, for up to 39 weeks. Shared parental and paternity pay use the flat rate or 90% of earnings if lower. Eligibility rules apply, so check GOV.UK.
Worked example
Using the default values in the calculator above:
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Average weekly earnings | £600 |
| Flat weekly rate | £194.32 |
| First day of pay (optional) |
Total over 39 weeks: £9,652.56
| Weeks 1 to 6 (90% of earnings), per week | £540.00 |
|---|---|
| Weeks 7 to 39, per week | £194.32 (flat rate applies) |
| Total weeks 1 to 6 | £3,240.00 |
| Total weeks 7 to 39 (33 weeks) | £6,412.56 |
Tips and common mistakes
Use your average weekly earnings as your employer works them out, which covers a set period before the qualifying week, so check GOV.UK for how it is calculated. Your employer may offer enhanced maternity pay, which is not shown here. Remember that tax and National Insurance are taken from SMP, and the first six weeks usually pay far more than the rest, so plan your budget around the lower weekly figure. You can also take unpaid leave beyond the 39 weeks. Ask your employer or check GOV.UK for notice and eligibility rules.
Frequently asked questions
How is Statutory Maternity Pay worked out?
Six weeks at 90% of average weekly earnings, then up to 33 weeks at the lower of the flat rate and 90% of earnings. The flat rate is updated every April.
What if I do not qualify for SMP?
You may be able to claim Maternity Allowance, which is the flat rate or 90% of earnings if lower, for up to 39 weeks. Check GOV.UK to see which you can claim.
Is SMP taxed?
Yes. SMP is paid through payroll, so Income Tax and National Insurance are deducted. The tool shows the gross amounts.
Guides that help
- Statutory Sick Pay and Statutory Maternity Pay explained
- National Insurance for employees: what you pay and why
- UK income tax explained: bands, allowance and how it's worked out