Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) Calculator

Calculate the 39 weeks of Statutory Maternity Pay from your average weekly earnings.

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About this calculator

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) runs for up to 39 weeks in two phases: the first 6 weeks at 90% of your average weekly earnings with no cap, then 33 weeks at the standard rate — £194.32 a week for 2026/27 — or 90% of your earnings if that's lower. Enter your average weekly earnings and this calculator shows both phases and the total across the full 39 weeks.

The formula

Weeks 1–6: 90% × Average weekly earnings Weeks 7–39: the lower of £194.32 or 90% × AWE Total SMP = 6-week phase + 33-week phase

Worked example

Average weekly earnings of £520:

Weeks 1–6: 90% × £520 = £468/week → £2,808
Weeks 7–39: min(£194.32, £468) = £194.32/week → £6,412.56
Total over 39 weeks = £9,220.56

Common mistakes

Assuming SMP lasts the full 52 weeks of maternity leave — the final 13 weeks of leave are unpaid unless your employer offers more.
Forgetting SMP is taxable — tax and NI are deducted through payroll like normal pay.
Missing the notice requirements — you must tell your employer by the 15th week before your due date.

Frequently asked questions

You normally need 26 weeks of continuous service with your employer by the 15th week before your due date, and average weekly earnings of at least £125. If you don't qualify, Maternity Allowance may apply instead.

From your actual pay (including overtime and bonuses) over the roughly 8-week period before the qualifying week — so a bonus in that window can increase your SMP.

Statutory Paternity Pay is up to 2 weeks at the same standard rate (£194.32 or 90% of earnings if lower). Shared Parental Pay lets partners divide the remaining leave and pay between them.