National Minimum Wage Calculator UK 2026
Check whether you're being paid at least the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage, using the rates effective from 1 April 2026.
The National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) are the legal minimum hourly rates almost all workers in the UK are entitled to, regardless of business size. It applies from day one of employment. The current rates are:
| Age / category | Hourly rate |
|---|---|
| 21 and over (National Living Wage) | £12.71 |
| 18 to 20 | £10.85 |
| Under 18 | £8.00 |
| Apprentice (under 19, or 19+ in first year of apprenticeship) | £8.00 |
If your employer provides accommodation, they can only count up to £77.70 per week of that towards your pay for minimum wage purposes — anything charged above that offset reduces the pay that counts.
Your Details
Total hours actually worked, including any that go unpaid but shouldn't
Before tax and National Insurance, for the same period as the hours above
Leave blank if your employer doesn't provide or charge for accommodation
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage?
The National Living Wage is simply the name for the National Minimum Wage rate that applies to workers aged 21 and over — it isn't a separate, higher voluntary rate (that's the "Real Living Wage," a different, non-statutory rate set by the Living Wage Foundation).
Does the minimum wage apply to me if I'm on a zero-hours contract or casual work?
Yes. Almost all workers are entitled to at least the National Minimum Wage regardless of contract type, including zero-hours, casual, and agency workers. It applies from your very first day of work.
Does tips and service charge count towards the minimum wage?
No. Tips, gratuities, and service charges cannot be counted towards National Minimum Wage pay — your basic pay alone must meet the minimum, regardless of how much you earn in tips on top.
What if I have unpaid training or travel time between jobs?
Time spent training at your employer's request, and travel time between work assignments during the working day (not your normal commute), usually counts as working time for minimum wage purposes and should be paid. Leaving this out of your hours calculation could make an underpayment look smaller than it really is.
What can I do if I think I've been underpaid?
Raise it with your employer first, in writing if possible. If it isn't resolved, you can contact ACAS for free advice, or report it confidentially to the HMRC National Minimum Wage helpline, which can investigate and order back pay plus a penalty.