National Insurance calculator
Estimate the National Insurance you’ll pay in 2025/26 — as an employee (Class 1) or as a self-employed person (Class 4).
Your estimate
National Insurance per year
£0
- Main rate band
- £0
- Upper band (2%)
- £0
Uses 2025/26 thresholds (£12,570 and £50,270). Employee figures are Class 1 primary contributions; self-employed figures are Class 4 (Class 2 is generally treated as paid above the threshold).
In plain English
The terms, explained
New to this? Here’s what the words on this page actually mean.
- National Insurance
- A tax on earnings that helps pay for the State Pension and some benefits.
- Class 1 vs Class 4
- Employees pay Class 1; the self-employed pay Class 4. Both work in bands.
- Primary threshold
- You start paying NI on earnings above £12,570 a year.
- Upper earnings limit
- Above £50,270 the rate drops to 2%.
FAQ
National Insurance calculator — your questions answered
How much National Insurance do I pay?
Employees pay 8% on earnings between £12,570 and £50,270, then 2% above. The self-employed pay Class 4 at 6% then 2% on profit over the same thresholds. The calculator shows your figure for either.
What is the National Insurance threshold for 2025/26?
You start paying National Insurance on earnings (or profits) above £12,570 a year. The rate then drops from the main rate to 2% on anything above £50,270.
Do the self-employed pay National Insurance?
Yes — Class 4 National Insurance on profits, at 6% then 2%. Class 2 is generally treated as paid where your profits are above the threshold, so most self-employed people no longer pay a separate flat charge.
Does National Insurance count towards my State Pension?
Yes. Paying — or being credited with — National Insurance builds your entitlement to the State Pension and certain benefits. We can check your record and contributions as part of your tax planning.
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