Paycheck Calculator UK

What Is a Paycheck Calculator?

A paycheck calculator helps you estimate your take home pay after Income Tax, National Insurance, pension contributions and student loan deductions. This paycheck calculator UK shows you exactly how much you'll receive in your bank account.

How to Use the Paycheck Calculator

Enter your annual salary, select your pay frequency, tax region, enter your tax code, and optionally add pension contribution and student loan. Click Calculate Paycheck to see your net pay.

How Your Paycheck Is Calculated

Paycheck Example

What Deductions Are Included?

• Income Tax — paid on earnings above your Personal Allowance
• National Insurance — paid on earnings above the Primary Threshold
• Pension Contributions — workplace and personal pensions
• Student Loan Repayments — based on your plan and earnings

Income Tax (2025/26)

Band	England / Wales / NI	Scotland
Personal Allowance	0% up to £12,570	0% up to £12,570
Starter Rate	N/A	19% £12,571-£14,802
Basic Rate	20% £12,571-£37,700	20% £14,803-£26,998
Intermediate Rate	N/A	21% £26,999-£43,732
Higher Rate	40% £37,701-£125,140	42% £43,733-£125,140
Additional / Top Rate	45% over £125,140	48% over £125,140

National Insurance (2025/26)

Employee National Insurance is calculated as:

• 8% on earnings between £12,570 and £50,270
• 2% on earnings above £50,270

Student Loan Plans

• Plan 1: 9% on earnings over £25,220/year
• Plan 2: 9% on earnings over £27,295/year
• Plan 4: 9% on earnings over £27,660/year
• Plan 5: 9% on earnings over £25,000/year
• Postgraduate: 6% on earnings over £21,000/year

Gross Pay vs Net Pay

Gross pay is your total earnings before deductions. Net pay is what you actually receive in your bank account. The difference can be significant — typically 20-30% of gross salary is deducted.

Common Paycheck Mistakes

• Using the wrong tax code — affects your deductions.
• Forgetting National Insurance — a significant deduction.
• Not including pension contributions — they reduce your net pay.
• Ignoring student loans — if you have one, it's deducted.
• Using the wrong tax region — Scotland has different rates.

Important Assumptions and Limitations

• Tax year: 2025/26
• Personal Allowance: £12,570 (standard)
• No other deductions (benefits, salary sacrifice) are included
• Results are estimates, not exact payroll calculations

Frequently Asked Questions