Maternity pay calculator (SMP 2026/27)
Use our free maternity pay calculator to estimate the Statutory Maternity Pay an eligible employee could receive in 2026/27. See the weekly rates and total, or compare the estimate with your company maternity pay scheme.
- First 6 weeks at 90% of average weekly earnings
- Next 33 weeks at the lower of £194.32 or 90% of average weekly earnings
- Compare SMP with your own maternity pay scheme
Calculate SMP for an employee
Add the employee’s average weekly earnings and the number of weeks you want to include. The calculator uses the 2026/27 GOV.UK rates.
Usually based on an 8-week relevant period ending with the last normal payday on or before the Saturday of the qualifying week. See the qualifying-week guidance below.
SMP can be paid for up to 39 weeks. Enter fewer weeks if the employee will return earlier.
Continuous employment
Has the employee worked for you without a break for at least 26 weeks by the qualifying week?
Company maternity pay
Turn this on to compare SMP with your company maternity pay scheme.
Estimate
- Higher rate (first 6 weeks)
- £450.00
- Lower rate (weeks 7 to 39)
- £194.32
- Lower rate basis
- Flat rate (£194.32)
- Weeks at higher rate
- 6
- Weeks at lower rate
- 33
- SMP total
- £9,112.56
This calculator gives an estimate. Check the employee’s eligibility, confirm the figures through payroll and read the latest GOV.UK guidance before making a payment. GOV.UK maternity pay guidance.
Maternity pay qualifying week and 2026/27 rates
The qualifying week is the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth. Find the Sunday at the start of the week the baby is due, then count back 15 weeks. That Sunday to Saturday is the qualifying week.
For SMP, the employee must have at least 26 weeks of continuous employment with you up to any day in the qualifying week and be on your payroll in that week. They must also meet the earnings, notice and proof-of-pregnancy requirements.
Where the qualifying week ends in 2026/27, average weekly earnings must be at least £129.00. Earnings are usually worked out over an 8-week relevant period ending with the last normal payday on or before the Saturday of the qualifying week.
SMP is paid for up to 39 weeks. The first 6 weeks are paid at 90% of average weekly earnings before tax. For the next 33 weeks, the 2026/27 rate is £194.32 a week or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. The new SMP rate applies from 5 April 2026.
Sources: GOV.UK qualifying-week guidance, GOV.UK SMP eligibility, GOV.UK rates for 2026/27.
How Statutory Maternity Pay is worked out
SMP is the minimum maternity pay an eligible employee can receive. These are the main rules for 2026/27.
Paid for up to 39 weeks
SMP can be paid for up to 39 weeks. Maternity leave can last up to 52 weeks, so the final 13 weeks are usually unpaid unless your company offers more.
Two weekly rates apply
The first 6 weeks are paid at 90% of average weekly earnings. The remaining weeks are paid at the lower of £194.32 or 90% of average weekly earnings.
Earnings and service both matter
The employee usually needs to have worked for you for at least 26 weeks by the qualifying week. Their average weekly earnings must also be at least £129.00.
Company schemes can pay more
Your company can offer more generous maternity pay. The employee must still receive at least the statutory amount for every week they are entitled to SMP.
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Common questions about Statutory Maternity Pay
Quick answers about SMP rates, eligibility and using the calculator.
Statutory Maternity Pay is 90% of average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks. For the next 33 weeks in 2026/27, it is £194.32 a week or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. Your company may offer more. Tax and National Insurance are deducted where due.
Start with the employee’s average weekly earnings. Multiply that by 0.9 for the first 6 weeks. For weeks 7 to 39, use the lower of that amount or £194.32 per week at the 2026/27 rate. Add the weekly amounts for the number of SMP weeks being paid.
Confirm the expected week of childbirth and qualifying week, then check continuous service, earnings, notice and proof of pregnancy. Use the relevant payroll period to work out average weekly earnings, apply the two SMP rates and check whether your company scheme adds anything. This calculator estimates pay from the earnings and service information you enter; it does not calculate eligibility dates.
For 2026/27, the first 6 weeks are paid at 90% of average weekly earnings. The remaining weeks are paid at £194.32 or 90% of earnings, whichever is lower.
An employee usually needs to have worked for you for at least 26 weeks by the qualifying week. This is the 15th week before the baby is due. They must also earn at least £129.00 a week on average.
SMP can be paid for up to 39 weeks. Statutory Maternity Leave can last up to 52 weeks in total.
They may still be entitled to Statutory Maternity Leave and could be able to claim Maternity Allowance. Give them form SMP1 if you decide they do not qualify for SMP.
A company scheme can pay more than SMP, but the employee must still receive at least the statutory amount for every week they are entitled to it.
No. Shared Parental Leave and Pay have different rules. Check the GOV.UK guidance if the employee plans to end their maternity leave early and share leave with their partner.
It uses the current GOV.UK rates and the average weekly earnings you enter. Check the employee’s eligibility dates, earnings and payroll figures before making a payment.
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