Plan Shared Parental Leave, ShPP and paternity leave
Shared Parental Leave (SPL) lets parents in the UK share up to 50 weeks of leave and up to 37 weeks of Statutory Shared Parental Pay (ShPP) in the first year after the birth. The weeks come from the mother’s maternity entitlement: whatever is left of her 52 weeks of maternity leave and 39 weeks of Statutory Maternity Pay when she ends them early can be shared. On top of that, the partner can take up to 2 weeks of Paternity Leave.
This calculator shows how many weeks are left to share after the maternity leave the mother takes, lets you split them between you, and works out the statutory pay for each of you at the 2026-27 rates, with the key dates and deadlines. It is information only — your employers confirm eligibility and pay.
How to use the Shared Parental Leave & Paternity Calculator (UK)
- Enter the due date and the day maternity leave starts.
- Enter how many weeks of maternity leave and SMP the mother will take; at least 2 weeks after the birth are compulsory.
- Add both parents’ average weekly earnings before tax.
- Split the remaining SPL and ShPP weeks between the mother and the partner, and choose the partner’s Paternity Leave.
- Read the weeks left, the pay for each of you and the key dates, then copy the summary for your employers.
Shared Parental Leave & Paternity Calculator (UK) features
Weeks left to share
52 minus the weeks of maternity leave, and 39 minus the weeks of SMP.
Pay for both parents
SMP, ShPP and Statutory Paternity Pay at £194.32 or 90% of earnings, from the same dated rate table as the SMP calculator.
Paternity leave rules
Up to 2 weeks, together or as two separate weeks, within 52 weeks of the birth.
Key dates
Qualifying week, notice dates, when SPL can start and the 52-week deadline.
Paternity Leave and Pay
- Up to 2 weeks, taken together or as two separate one-week blocks, any time from the birth until 52 weeks after it.
- Paternity Leave is a right from the first day of employment; Paternity Pay needs 26 weeks’ continuous employment into the qualifying week and average earnings of at least £129 a week.
- Pay is £194.32 a week or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower, with tax and National Insurance deducted.
- Tell your employer the due date at least 15 weeks before, and give 28 days’ notice of the dates you want.
How Shared Parental Leave works
The mother (or the person getting adoption leave) gives binding notice to end maternity leave and pay early; the unused weeks become SPL and ShPP for either parent. Leave can be taken together or in turns, in up to 3 blocks each with 8 weeks’ notice per block, and must all be used within 52 weeks of the birth. ShPP is paid at the same flat rate as the later weeks of SMP — there is no 90%-of-earnings period like the first 6 weeks of SMP. Both parents must pass the employment and earnings tests, which are different for the parent taking SPL and for the other parent.
For maternity pay alone, use the SMP calculator; for leave dates in the UK, India or the US, the maternity leave calculator.
Shared Parental Leave & Paternity Calculator (UK) FAQ
How much Shared Parental Leave can we take?
Up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay between you — 52 and 39 minus whatever maternity leave and pay the mother uses. If she takes 22 weeks, 30 weeks of SPL and 17 weeks of ShPP are left.
How much is ShPP in 2026/27?
£194.32 a week or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower.
Can paternity leave be taken as two separate weeks?
Yes. Paternity Leave can be one week, two weeks together, or two separate one-week blocks, as long as it ends within 52 weeks of the birth.
Can both parents be off at the same time?
Yes. You can take SPL at the same time or one after the other, as long as the total stays within the weeks left to share.
Do we both need to qualify?
Yes, each parent has to meet employment and earnings tests, which differ for the parent taking the leave and the other parent. Use gov.uk’s checker and ask your employers.