Precision Utility
UK Minimum Wage
Calculator
Tax Year
2025/26
NLW (23+)
£12.21/hr
Check whether your hourly rate meets the legal minimum for your age group. Enter your age band, weekly hours and current pay — the minimum wage calculator instantly shows the correct 2025/26 National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage rate, your weekly and annual minimum entitlement, and flags any underpayment with a full breakdown of the shortfall.
Your Details
Minimum Wage Status
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Legal Minimum Rate
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Annual Minimum Pay
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Weekly Minimum Pay
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Difference Per Hour
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Underpaid / Hour
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Underpaid / Week
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Underpaid / Year
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How the minimum wage calculator works
Select your age group from the dropdown — this determines which minimum wage band applies to you. The National Living Wage covers workers aged 23 and over, while younger workers and apprentices have separate, lower rates set by the government each April.
Enter the number of hours you work per week using the slider or the number field. Then type in your current hourly rate — the amount your employer actually pays you per hour before any deductions.
The calculator compares your hourly rate against the legal minimum for your age group. It displays the correct rate, your weekly minimum entitlement (hours multiplied by the legal rate), and your annual minimum based on 52 weeks. If your pay falls short, it calculates the underpayment per hour, per week and per year so you can see exactly how much you are owed.
Results update automatically whenever you change any input. There is no need to press the button each time — though you can if you prefer.
What you need to know about UK minimum wage 2025/26
The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is the legal floor for hourly pay in the United Kingdom. It applies to almost all workers, regardless of contract type — including zero-hours, part-time and agency staff. The highest band is called the National Living Wage (NLW) and covers workers aged 23 and over. Here are the rates from 1 April 2025:
- 23 and over (NLW): £12.21 per hour
- 21 to 22: £11.44 per hour
- 18 to 20: £10.00 per hour
- Under 18: £7.55 per hour
- Apprentice: £7.55 per hour
Employers who pay below these rates are breaking the law. HMRC actively investigates complaints and can issue penalties of up to 200% of the underpayment, capped at £20,000 per worker. Workers who suspect they are being underpaid should contact the Pay and Work Rights Helpline on GOV.UK.
Rates are reviewed annually by the Low Pay Commission and typically announced in the autumn budget before taking effect the following April. The government's target is for the NLW to reach two-thirds of median earnings for workers aged 21 and over.
Frequently asked questions
What are the current UK minimum wage rates for 2025/26?
From April 2025, the National Living Wage for workers aged 23 and over is £12.21 per hour. The rate for 21–22 year olds is £11.44, 18–20 year olds receive £10.00, and workers under 18 and apprentices are entitled to £7.55 per hour.
Who qualifies for the National Living Wage?
The National Living Wage applies to all workers aged 23 and over. It is the highest band of the National Minimum Wage and is set by the government each April. Workers aged 21–22 and younger age groups receive lower rates under the National Minimum Wage.
What is the apprentice minimum wage rate?
Apprentices aged under 19, or aged 19 and over but in the first year of their apprenticeship, are entitled to the apprentice rate of £7.55 per hour for 2025/26. Once an apprentice turns 19 and has completed the first year, they move to the age-appropriate minimum wage rate.
What should I do if I am being paid below minimum wage?
If you believe your employer is paying you below the legal minimum wage, you can report them to HMRC's Pay and Work Rights Helpline on 0300 123 1100. HMRC investigates all complaints and can issue penalties to employers who underpay. You may also be entitled to back pay for any shortfall.
Does the minimum wage apply to zero-hours contracts?
Yes. Workers on zero-hours contracts are entitled to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage for every hour they work. The type of contract does not affect your right to be paid the legal minimum rate for your age group.
When do UK minimum wage rates change?
UK minimum wage rates are updated every April. The government announces the new rates in the autumn based on recommendations from the Low Pay Commission. The 2025/26 rates took effect on 1 April 2025 and apply until 31 March 2026.