UK Minimum Wage Calculator
Estimate the legal minimum pay for your situation and check whether your hourly wage is compliant.
This tool gives an estimate for gross pay and minimum wage compliance. Tax, National Insurance, salary sacrifice, and lawful deductions are not included.
How this minimum wage calculator works
This UK minimum wage calculator helps you estimate the minimum legal hourly pay based on age and apprentice status, then turns that into weekly, monthly, and yearly totals based on your hours. If you enter your actual hourly wage, the calculator also shows whether you are currently above or below the legal minimum.
It is designed for quick checks when you are:
- starting a new job and reviewing your contract,
- checking payroll after a birthday that changes your pay band,
- comparing part-time and full-time options,
- making sure apprentice pay has been applied correctly.
UK minimum wage rates included in this tool
The calculator includes two recent rate years for easy comparison.
| Rate band | 2024/25 | 2025/26 |
|---|---|---|
| National Living Wage (age 21+) | £11.44 | £12.21 |
| Age 18 to 20 | £8.60 | £10.00 |
| Age 16 to 17 | £6.40 | £7.55 |
| Apprentice rate | £6.40 | £7.55 |
Rates can change each April. Always confirm against official GOV.UK guidance if making legal or payroll decisions.
Who can use the apprentice rate?
The apprentice rate is not universal for everyone on an apprenticeship contract. In general, it applies if you are:
- under 19, or
- 19 or older and in the first year of your apprenticeship.
After that, age-based minimum wage bands normally apply. If your employer keeps paying the apprentice rate when they should not, you may be underpaid.
Step-by-step: calculating minimum wage pay
1) Select your rate year
Choose the year that matches your payslip period. If you are comparing old and new pay, run the calculator twice with different years.
2) Enter your age and apprentice status
Your band is determined by age and, where relevant, apprenticeship rules.
3) Enter hours and paid weeks
Weekly hours multiplied by paid weeks gives annual hours. The calculator uses this to estimate annual gross pay at the legal minimum.
4) Add your actual hourly wage (optional)
If entered, the calculator checks compliance and estimates annual shortfall if pay is below minimum wage.
What this tool includes and what it does not
Included
- Age and apprentice minimum wage band selection
- Weekly, monthly, annual gross pay estimates
- Compliance comparison against your entered hourly wage
- Estimated underpayment amount
Not included
- Income Tax, National Insurance, pension contributions
- Complex payroll reference period rules
- Accommodation offset calculations
- Detailed treatment of uniforms, tools, or salary sacrifice impacts
Common reasons workers are accidentally underpaid
- Unpaid working time: setup, closing, security checks, or required training not counted.
- Birthday band changes ignored: moving to a higher age band but pay not updated.
- Deductions for required items: uniforms or equipment that reduce pay below legal thresholds.
- Apprentice rate applied too long: especially after first year for workers aged 19+.
If you think you are under minimum wage
Start by gathering evidence: payslips, rota records, contract details, and any communications about hours. Raise it informally first if appropriate, then escalate through formal channels if needed.
- Ask payroll or HR for a written breakdown of hourly calculations.
- Check your age band and whether apprentice rules were applied correctly.
- Seek advice from ACAS or Citizens Advice if unresolved.
- Consider HMRC minimum wage enforcement channels for persistent underpayment.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as take-home pay?
No. This calculator estimates gross pay. Your take-home pay will usually be lower after deductions.
Does lunch break time count?
Usually only paid working time counts. Unpaid breaks are generally excluded from payable hours.
Do rates change every year?
Typically yes, often around April. Always check current rates if you are calculating forward.
Can I use this for part-time jobs?
Yes. Enter your real weekly hours and the number of paid weeks per year to get an estimate that fits your schedule.
Final thought
A minimum wage check takes less than a minute and can prevent months of unnoticed underpayment. Use the calculator above whenever your age, apprenticeship stage, hours, or pay rate changes.