UK Take-Home Pay Calculator (2025/26)

How UK take-home pay is calculated (2025/26)

• Income tax on income above the £12,570 Personal Allowance, using the 2025/26 bands (20% / 40% / 45%)
• Employee National Insurance: 8% from £12,570 to £50,270, then 2% above £50,270
• Optional pension contribution as a percentage of gross pay
• Take-home = gross − income tax − National Insurance − pension

2025/26 employee National Insurance

Estimates only — actual pay depends on your tax code, student loans, benefits and pension scheme. England, Wales & NI rates; not tax advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this calculator include?

It estimates 2025/26 income tax (England, Wales & NI bands), employee Class 1 National Insurance, and an optional pension contribution percentage. The result is your take-home (net) pay per year and per pay period.

How is National Insurance calculated in 2025/26?

Employee NI is charged at 8% on earnings between £12,570 and £50,270, and 2% on earnings above £50,270. Earnings below £12,570 pay no NI.

How do pension contributions affect my pay?

A workplace pension contribution lowers your take-home pay but also reduces the income subject to tax under a net-pay or salary-sacrifice arrangement. This calculator applies your contribution against taxable income; NI is charged on full gross.

Does this cover Scotland?

No. Scotland has its own income tax bands. This calculator uses the rest-of-UK rates for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. National Insurance is the same across the UK.

Is this exactly what I will be paid?

It is a close estimate. Your actual payslip can differ because of your tax code, student loan repayments, benefits in kind, and how your pension is set up. This is not financial advice.