UK Statutory Maternity Pay Calculator (2026/27)
Enter your average weekly earnings to see your estimated Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) across the full 39-week period, with the two-phase rate shown separately. Free, instant, and calculated entirely in your browser; no email or phone number required.
Estimated Total SMP (39 weeks)
£9,112.56
estimate of the statutory minimum only
First 6 weeks
£450.00/wk
Next 33 weeks
£194.32/wk
90% of your average weekly earnings would exceed £194.32, so weeks 7 to 39 are paid at the standard weekly rate instead.
| Weeks 1 to 6 (90% of average weekly earnings) | £2,700.00 |
| Weeks 7 to 39 (90% of earnings or the standard rate, whichever is lower) | £6,412.56 |
| Total over 39 weeks | £9,112.56 |
Statutory Maternity Pay runs for up to 39 weeks. For the first 6 weeks it is paid at 90% of average weekly earnings, with no upper cap. For the remaining 33 weeks it is paid at 90% of average weekly earnings or the standard weekly rate of £194.32, whichever is lower (2026/27 rate). This is an estimate of the statutory minimum, not a promise of eligibility or amount; your employer or HMRC makes the binding calculation based on your qualifying week and continuous service.
Check you qualify for SMP (or Maternity Allowance)
Statutory Maternity Pay
You appear to meet the tests
your employer makes the decision
Qualifying week: Sun, 22 November 2026 to Sat, 28 November 2026 (the 15th week before the week your baby is due).
26 weeks' service: you need to have started the job by Sat, 6 June 2026.
Earnings: average weekly earnings of at least £129.00.
Earliest start: SMP and maternity leave can start from Sun, 20 December 2026 (11 weeks before your due week).
To claim SMP, give your employer at least 28 days' notice of when you want it to start, and proof of pregnancy (usually form MATB1 from your midwife or doctor). If you are an employee, maternity leave itself (up to 52 weeks) is a day-one right, whether or not you get SMP.
How Statutory Maternity Pay Works
Statutory Maternity Pay runs for up to 39 weeks and is paid in two phases:
- The first 6 weeks: paid at 90% of average weekly earnings, with no upper cap.
- The remaining 33 weeks: paid at 90% of average weekly earnings or the standard weekly rate of £194.32 (2026/27 rate), whichever is lower.
Because the second phase is capped, higher earners typically receive a bigger drop between week 6 and week 7 than lower earners, whose 90% figure may already sit below the standard rate for the whole 39 weeks. See gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave/pay for the official current rate, and the full statutory maternity pay guide for eligibility, the qualifying week, and how SMP relates to maternity leave itself.
Who Is Eligible
Eligibility for SMP generally depends on continuous employment with the same employer into the "qualifying week" and earning at least the lower earnings limit for National Insurance purposes. This tool does not check eligibility; it only calculates the amount the statutory formula would produce from the average weekly earnings you enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many weeks does Statutory Maternity Pay last?
SMP runs for up to 39 weeks: the first 6 weeks at 90% of average weekly earnings, then up to 33 more weeks at 90% of earnings or the standard weekly rate, whichever is lower.
Is there a cap on Statutory Maternity Pay?
There is no cap for the first 6 weeks (90% of earnings, however high). From week 7 onward, the standard weekly rate of £194.32 (2026/27) applies if it is lower than 90% of earnings.
Is Statutory Maternity Pay the same as maternity leave?
No. Statutory maternity leave can run up to 52 weeks, but SMP (the pay) is only payable for up to 39 of those weeks. The remaining weeks of leave are typically unpaid unless the employer offers enhanced maternity pay.
Can my employer pay more than SMP?
Yes. Many employers offer enhanced (contractual) maternity pay above the statutory minimum. Check the maternity policy in the employment contract or staff handbook.
What counts as average weekly earnings for SMP?
Average weekly earnings for SMP are generally calculated from earnings in a set 8-week reference period tied to the qualifying week, not necessarily current pay. Use your best estimate for that period here.
Does this tool store or send my information anywhere?
No. All of the math runs in your browser. Nothing you type into this calculator is saved, transmitted, or used to contact you.
This calculator estimates Statutory Maternity Pay using the published 2026/27 formula. It is general information, not legal advice, and RecordingLaw.com is not affiliated with any UK government body. Your employer or HMRC makes the binding calculation for your actual entitlement.
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