Take-home pay calculator

How it works

The calculator takes your salary, removes any pension paid before tax, then works out three deductions using the 2026/27 rates from GOV.UK.

1. Income Tax. The first £12,570 is tax-free (your Personal Allowance). Above that you pay 20%, 40% and 45% in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or Scotland's six rates from 19% to 48%. Over £100,000, your Personal Allowance shrinks by £1 for every £2 you earn.
2. National Insurance. 8% on earnings between £12,570 and £50,270, then 2% above that.
3. Student loan. 9% of earnings above your plan's threshold, or 6% above £21,000 for a Postgraduate Loan.

Worked example

On a £30,000 salary in England with no pension or student loan, you'd pay £3,486 Income Tax and £1,394 National Insurance, leaving about £25,120 a year, or £2,093 a month.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my payslip different?

This assumes the standard 1257L tax code and pay through PAYE. A different tax code, bonuses, benefits in kind or pension paid after tax will all change the numbers.

How does a pension change my take-home pay?

The pension box treats your contribution like salary sacrifice, taken off before tax and National Insurance. That's why paying in 5% costs you less than 5% of your take-home pay.

Which student loan plan am I on?

It depends on where and when you started your course. Plan 2 covers most people in England and Wales who started between September 2012 and July 2023, and Plan 5 covers England from August 2023. Check your plan on GOV.UK if you're unsure.