Salary calculator
FAQ
How accurate is this take-home pay calculator?
It’s a best-effort estimate for standard PAYE employment. Your actual take-home pay can differ based on your tax code, pension contributions (including salary sacrifice), student loans, benefits-in-kind, overtime, bonuses, and how payroll handles rounding across pay periods.
Does this include National Insurance?
Yes. This calculator includes employee National Insurance (Class 1) using the same gross annual income used for the income tax estimate.
Does this work for Scotland or Wales?
Wales currently uses the same income tax bands as England for most taxpayers. Scotland has different income tax bands and rates, so results will not match Scottish taxpayers.
Does this include pension contributions?
Not in this version. Workplace pensions can reduce your taxable income depending on the scheme (relief-at-source vs net pay vs salary sacrifice). If you contribute to a pension, your net pay may be higher or lower than this estimate depending on the scheme.
Does this include student loans?
Not in this version. Student loan repayments depend on your plan type and income thresholds. They can noticeably reduce take-home pay. An “Advanced options” version can add this later.
Why is my take-home pay different from HMRC or my payslip?
Differences usually come from tax codes (e.g. K codes, emergency tax), pension deductions, salary sacrifice (cycle-to-work, childcare, etc.), benefits-in-kind, taxable expenses, bonuses/commissions, and payroll rounding. Also, HMRC tools may model tax per pay period rather than annualised.
Can I use this for contractors or day rates?
This calculator assumes PAYE employment. Contractors often use limited companies, umbrella companies, or self-employment, which can change taxes and deductions significantly. A separate “day rate to annual take-home” tool is usually clearer and more accurate.
Is this for 2026 tax year?
This calculator is labelled for the 2025/26 tax year, but results are only as accurate as the thresholds and rates currently implemented. Figures will be updated if HMRC announces changes to income tax or National Insurance during the tax year.
What does my UK tax code mean?
Your tax code determines how much Income Tax is deducted from your salary under PAYE. Codes like 1257L, BR, K or emergency tax can significantly affect your take-home pay.