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Paternity Leave Calculator

Calculate your Statutory Paternity Pay for 2026/27. See your weekly entitlement and how Shared Parental Leave could give you more paid time with your new baby.

UK · 2026/27Last reviewed 15 August 2026Reviewed after a methodology change

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When to use this calculator

  • When you need a fast estimate before making a bigger decision.
  • When you want to compare a few scenarios using the same assumptions.
  • When you need a clearer starting point before using a detailed quote or formal document.
  • When you want to sanity-check a figure you have seen elsewhere.

A realistic UK planning example

Use these sample inputs as a quick scenario test, then change one variable at a time to compare outcomes.

A realistic UK planning example
InputValue
Average Weekly Earnings (£)5 years
Paternity Leave Duration1 week
Shared Parental Leave Weeks (additional)£1,400

After entering these figures, review weekly paternity pay, total spp and shared parental pay together rather than in isolation. Then rerun the tool with one input adjusted.

How to read your results

Weekly Paternity Pay

The figure produced by this output for the inputs you entered. Change one variable at a time if you want to see what drives it.

Total SPP

The headline outcome of this calculation. It is most useful when read alongside the supporting metrics rather than in isolation.

Shared Parental Pay

The figure produced by this output for the inputs you entered. Change one variable at a time if you want to see what drives it.

Total Paid Leave

The headline outcome of this calculation. It is most useful when read alongside the supporting metrics rather than in isolation.

Method & assumptionsAuthoritative sources

This calculator estimates Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) using the 2026/27 rate of £184.03 per week, capped at 90% of your average weekly earnings (AWE) if that is lower. Standard paternity leave is limited to one or two consecutive weeks taken within 56 days of the birth. The optional Shared Parental Leave (SPL) field lets you model additional paid weeks if you and your partner elect to split the maternity or adoption leave entitlement — SPL weeks are paid at the same rate as SPP. All figures shown are gross, before tax and National Insurance deductions, which your employer will apply through PAYE.

To qualify for SPP you must have worked for your employer for at least 26 continuous weeks by the qualifying week (the 15th week before the expected due date) and earn at least £123 per week on average — the lower earnings limit for 2026/27. If you earn above £184.03 per week and your employer offers no enhanced pay, the statutory weekly cap means you will receive less than your normal wage during leave. The unpaid difference per week is shown in the formula output and can help you plan your budget ahead of the birth.

Common mistakes

  • !Using optimistic assumptions without testing a more cautious scenario.
  • !Comparing outputs from different tools without checking that the inputs match.
  • !Treating the result as a final quote instead of a planning estimate.
  • !Rounding inputs too aggressively.

What to do next

  • Try at least one more scenario so you can compare a realistic range.
  • Use the related calculators below to cross-check the decision from another angle.
  • Write down the key outputs from your best scenarios before you decide.
  • If the result surprises you, change one input at a time to isolate the driver.

Frequently asked

Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) for 2026/27 is paid at the lower of £184.03 per week or 90% of your average weekly earnings. You can take either one or two consecutive weeks of paternity leave — you cannot take it as single days. To qualify, you must have worked for your employer continuously for at least 26 weeks by the end of the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth, and you must earn at least £123 per week on average. SPP is subject to income tax and National Insurance deductions through PAYE.

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