About The Kept Pound
The Kept Pound is a free calculator that shows what you actually keep from your pay after income tax, National Insurance, pension contributions and student loan repayments. It also explains every step of the calculation.
What it covers
- Income tax for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and Scottish income tax, including the Personal Allowance taper above £100,000
- Employee and self-employed National Insurance, and what your employer pays
- Workplace pensions (net pay, salary sacrifice and relief at source), personal pensions and Gift Aid
- Student loan Plans 1, 2, 4 and 5, and Postgraduate Loans
- London weighting, bonuses, overtime and taxable benefits such as a company car
- Child Benefit and the High Income Child Benefit Charge, Marriage Allowance and Blind Person's Allowance
- Savings interest, dividends, rental and self-employed income, and tax codes
Where the figures come from
Rates and thresholds come from HMRC's published figures for each tax year, the Scottish Government's income tax rates for Scottish taxpayers, and the Student Loans Company's repayment thresholds. The calculator is checked against worked examples for each rule, and it is updated every April and whenever a Budget change takes effect.
The figures are annual estimates. Your employer's payroll works out tax and National Insurance each pay period, so a single payslip can differ slightly. Over a full year, the totals should be close.
Your figures stay private
All calculations run in your own browser. The salary and other details you enter are never sent to us. Read the privacy and cookies policy for the full details.
Not financial advice
The Kept Pound is a guide to help you understand your pay. It isn't tax or financial advice. For decisions about your own situation, check GOV.UK, contact HMRC, or speak to a qualified adviser.
Who runs it
The Kept Pound is an independent website, not connected to HMRC or any bank or pension provider. Spotted a mistake or have a suggestion? Please get in touch.