How to Calculate Your Take-Home Pay in the UK
Updated June 2026 · 6 min read · Free calculator inside
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Your take-home pay (net pay) is what reaches your bank account after income tax and National Insurance are deducted from your gross salary. This guide shows how the 2026/27 deductions are worked out so you can sanity-check your payslip and understand exactly where your money goes.
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Open the Salary Take-Home Calculator →The two main deductions
For most employees, take-home pay is gross salary minus income tax and National Insurance. Pension contributions and student loan repayments may also be taken off, but tax and NI are the two everyone pays.
Income tax bands (2026/27)
You get a tax-free personal allowance, then pay tax in bands on the rest:
| Band | Taxable income | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Personal allowance | Up to £12,570 | 0% |
| Basic rate | £12,571 – £50,270 | 20% |
| Higher rate | £50,271 – £125,140 | 40% |
| Additional rate | Over £125,140 | 45% |
The personal allowance tapers away by £1 for every £2 earned above £100,000.
National Insurance on top
Employees also pay Class 1 National Insurance: 8% on earnings between £12,570 and £50,270, then 2% above that. NI is a separate deduction from income tax, with its own thresholds.
Worked example: £35,000 salary
- Income tax: 20% on £22,430 (£35,000 − £12,570) ≈ £4,486.
- National Insurance: 8% on £22,430 ≈ £1,794.
- Take-home pay ≈ £28,720 a year, or about £2,393 a month.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is £30,000 after tax in the UK?
A £30,000 salary gives roughly £24,900 take-home for 2026/27 after income tax (about £3,486) and National Insurance (about £1,394) — around £2,075 a month.
Does take-home pay include pension contributions?
If you contribute to a workplace pension, that comes out before you get your take-home pay, so it reduces your net figure but builds your retirement pot. This guide assumes no pension contribution.
Why is my take-home pay lower than expected?
Common reasons include pension contributions, student loan repayments, a non-standard tax code, or benefits in kind being taxed through your code.
See your exact take-home pay after tax
Skip the maths — get an instant, up-to-date figure with our free calculator.
Open the Salary Take-Home Calculator →Related Guides
How Is National Insurance Calculated in the UK?
A clear 2026/27 guide to UK National Insurance: the £12,570 threshold, the 8% and 2% employee rates, what employers pay, and worked examples of your monthly deduction.
How Much Redundancy Pay Am I Entitled To?
A 2026 guide to UK statutory redundancy pay: who qualifies, the age-based formula, the £751 weekly cap, the 20-year limit, and how the first £30,000 is tax-free.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Rates and thresholds can change — always check the latest figures on GOV.UK and consult a qualified professional before making decisions.