Method notes
How we calculate your result
This page explains the assumptions behind the calculator so users can see what is included, what is excluded, and where the figures come from.
1. Minimum wage comparison
We compare the worker's average hourly pay in the relevant pay reference period with the statutory rate that applies to their age and apprenticeship status. The calculator currently supports weekly and monthly pay periods.
April 2026 rates
- 21 and over: £12.71/hr
- 18 to 20: £10.85/hr
- 16 to 17: £8.00/hr
- Apprentice: £8.00/hr
School leaving age
The calculator treats entitlement as starting from school leaving age, not simply from turning 16. Users aged 16 are asked to confirm that they have reached school leaving age before statutory comparisons are shown.
2. Take-home pay estimate
Net pay is estimated using published HMRC PAYE and employee National Insurance thresholds for the 2026/27 tax year. It assumes a standard Personal Allowance, employee National Insurance category A, and no pension salary sacrifice, student loan, attachment of earnings, or other payroll adjustments.
Scotland is calculated using the published Scottish starter, basic, intermediate, higher, advanced, and top rates. England, Wales, and Northern Ireland use the standard 20% / 40% / 45% structure.
3. Compliance audit
The audit adjusts the pay counted for minimum wage by removing user- entered uniform or required work costs and by applying the accommodation offset where employer accommodation is provided.
4. Birthday tracker
The countdown identifies the next age or apprenticeship milestone and then shows the next statutory hourly rate that would normally apply. The higher rate should be used from the first pay reference period starting on or after the relevant change date.
5. What this version does not cover
- Complex work types such as salaried-hours edge cases or output work
- Non-standard tax codes, emergency codes, directors, or NI deferment
- Student loans, pensions, salary sacrifice, or attachment orders
- Historic arrears uplift calculations for past underpayment notices