Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) Calculator
Calculate Statutory Maternity Pay over 39 weeks: 6 weeks at 90% of earnings, then 33 weeks at the lower of £187.18/week (2025/26) or 90% of earnings.
Data verified · July 2026
How much is Statutory Maternity Pay?
90% of your average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, then the lower of £187.18/week (2025/26) or 90% of earnings for up to 33 more weeks — 39 paid weeks in total.
Source: GOV.UK — Maternity pay and leave (gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave/pay); Maternity Allowance (gov.uk/maternity-allowance); rates and thresholds 2025/26. · updated 2026
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Everything about Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) Calculator
📋Overview+
Computes SMP for 2025/26: the first 6 weeks at 90% of average weekly earnings (uncapped), then up to 33 weeks at the lower of £187.18 or 90% of earnings. Eligibility requires 26 weeks of continuous service at the qualifying week and average earnings of at least £125/week.
💡 Best practices
- SMP is taxable earnings — tax and NIC come off via PAYE.
- If you don't qualify for SMP, Maternity Allowance from DWP can pay up to £187.18/week for 39 weeks.
- Maternity leave can last 52 weeks, but only 39 are paid — the last 13 are unpaid.
🔢 Concrete example
£600/week earnings, full 39 weeks: 6 weeks at £540 (£3,240) plus 33 weeks at £187.18 (£6,176.94) — £9,416.94 total SMP.
📖User guide+
How to use this calculator
- 1
Enter average weekly earnings (8-week reference period before the qualifying week).
- 2
Enter weeks of continuous service at the 15th week before the due date.
- 3
Set how many weeks of leave you plan to take (up to 39 paid).
- 4
Read the 6-week and standard-rate totals and the overall SMP.
📚Glossary+
- Qualifying week
- The 15th week before the expected week of childbirth. You need 26 weeks of continuous employment with the same employer by then.
- Standard rate
- £187.18/week in 2025/26 — paid for up to 33 weeks after the first 6, unless 90% of your earnings is lower.
ℹ️Sources & updates+
Last data update
July 5, 2026
Sources and references
GOV.UK — Maternity pay and leave (gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave/pay); Maternity Allowance (gov.uk/maternity-allowance); rates and thresholds 2025/26.
The data in this calculator is updated regularly to reflect the latest official rates. When in doubt, consult the official sources listed above.
FAQ — Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) Calculator
How much is Statutory Maternity Pay?+
90% of your average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, then the lower of £187.18/week (2025/26) or 90% of earnings for up to 33 more weeks — 39 paid weeks in total.
Who qualifies for SMP?+
Employees with 26 weeks of continuous service at the qualifying week (15th week before the due date) and average weekly earnings of at least £125.
What if I don't qualify?+
You may claim Maternity Allowance from DWP instead — up to £187.18/week for 39 weeks, based on your work and National Insurance record.